So after my first attempt to make Cranberry Vodka went so well, I figured I could just apply the same principle to practically any infused liquor. I mean, really we’re talking liquor, fruit and sometimes a little sugar. Next summer I’m all about the berry vodkas, cherry bourbon..I can just go on and on. But with my Buddha Hand in, er, hand, courtesy of my Foodie Penpal, Andra, I was read to make some citrus vodka.
Buddha Hand Vodka (Makes 2 Bottles)
- 1 large Buddha Hand
- 1.5 l vodka
- 4 tbsp sugar, divided
- 2 750ml bottles
Slice your Buddha hand fingers into thin strips and insert into bottle. I used the equivalent of 4-5 fingers per bottle.
Add 2 tbsp sugar to each bottle then slowly pour in the vodka.
Let vodka infuse for at least 4 weeks, shaking every few days so sugar blends, before serving as part of your favorite cocktail.
Now for the sad part of my blog post. As I mentioned, I received my Buddha Hand from my FABULOUS Foodie Penpal Andra over at Counting the Freckles. After getting over my quick WTF reaction, I was excited to make everything and anything possible with this creepy piece of citrus. The vodka was a given and I was a bit sad when it took up most of my fruit. I did make a basic vinaigrette with some of the left over zest, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and spices. Once I learned I could buy another Buddha hand at the Park Slope Food Coop, I was THRILLED! Until I saw the price. Almost $7 for a piece about a third the size of what I had. That coupled with the fact that it was California, I had to pass.
BUT just because I can’t get another Buddha Hand doesn’t mean you lucky folks from Cali and Florida can’t! Here’s a few recipes I’ll maybe get to try one day.
Ginger Cupcakes with Lemon Buddha Hand Frosting from All About Chantelle
Buddha Hand Shortbread Cookies from In Erica’s Kitchen
Buddha Hand Dressing & Arugula Prosciutto Salad from White on Rice Couple
Related articles
- November Foodie Penpal Reveal! (brooklynlocavore.wordpress.com)
- A Perfect Holiday Gift to Give (or Keep for Yourself) (brooklynlocavore.wordpress.com)
- Pumpkin Pie Vodka – The Saga Continues… (shakebakeandparty.com)
- Handmade Holidays: Peppermint Schnapps (brasspaperclip.typepad.com)
Brooklyn Locavore 
What the heck is it? A weird lemon?
It’s a citrus fruit! Smells like lemon and roses. There’s no pulp or juice, you eat the rind and white stuff. No bitter after taste like with a lemon rind. It’s magic!
Yikes expensive! Funnily, I lived in CA for 29 years and never saw this! So weird. Glad you got to use it though. It’s always fun trying new things. 🙂
I’m not sure if they’re native to Cali, I got it from my Foodie Penpal in South Florida. But the ones at my coop said CA. I would assume you could find them most places that have citrus, but yeah, crazy expensive.
I need to try this too! I have never tried buddhas hand. I saw them at the Asian grocer last winter, and I think they were reasonably priced there. Not sure though…
Definitely go for it if you can! I was well prepared for them to be expensive. It’s like any fancy fruit–star fruits, pomegranates–but not that much for such a small one.
I would love to try this! Thank you for linking to my blog too!
You’re very welcome! I had fresh ginger and was all ready to make your cupcakes with it, but found it had spoiled in the fridge. Next time!
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I read your post but still have no idea what this is haha… perhaps I’ll try it one day and let you know my observations:) Thanks! Mark
The best think about Vodka is that you can drink and mix it with almost anything.
So true. I’ve been mixing the infused vodkas w. a little tonic and all of a sudden it seems like I have a fancy cocktail!
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