Brewing a batch of vinegar infused with delicious fresh herbs is simple following the directions below. Flavored vinegar can be a great gift idea for holidays or birthdays, and even as a hostess gift at gatherings. It can also be great to cook with at home and will taste fresher than the store bought brands. Herbal vinegar can be made with many different types of fresh herbs available from a local grocer or home garden.
How to Make Herbal Vinegar – Ingredients and Utensils Needed
To make herbal vinegar from scratch, the following utensils and ingredients will be required:
- 2 glass jars with nonmetal lids
- Coffee filter or cheesecloth
- Plastic funnel
- Fresh herbs
- White or red wine vinegar
It is important not to use metal when stirring, tasting, shaking, and steeping the herbs because metal will react with the acidity of the vinegar and alter the taste of the homemade brew.
What Herbs to Use in Flavored Vinegar?
The possibilities and choices of herbs, aromatics, and spices to use when making herbal vinegar are virtually endless. Use one herb, or experiment with a mixture of herbs for a more complex flavor. Try these herbs and combinations:
- Basil, parsley, and garlic
- Hot pepper flakes and garlic
- Sage, rosemary, and thyme
- Tarragon (with or without garlic – great with chicken)
- Dill and mustard seed
- Chili peppers, green onions, and cilantro
How to Make Herbal Vinegar Using Fresh Herbs
Making herbal vinegar is very easy to do. Follow these steps to make the deliciously flavored vinegar for cooking and gifts.
- Wash all utensils and the jars with hot, soapy water.
- Rinse the utensils and jars with hot water.
- Place all of the herbs into one of the empty jars. A rule of thumb is to have about 1 cup of fresh herbs per 2 cups of vinegar.
- Pour 2 cups of white or red wine vinegar into the jar of herbs.
- Close the jar tightly.
- Place herbal vinegar in a dark, cool place for at least a week.
- Occasionally remember to check on the jar, and shake it well.
- The longer the herbs are allowed to steep in the vinegar, the stronger the flavor will be.
- Test the vinegar for flavor.
- When the herbal vinegar is to the desired flavor, filter the old herbs out by pouring the vinegar through a funnel lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
- Place the flavored vinegar into the second, clean jar.
- A fresh piece of herb that is representative of the flavor can be added at the end before closing the jar.
- Add decorative touch if giving as a gift, such as ribbons, labels, etc.
Herbal vinegars are a great way to preserve the flavor of fresh herbs, and make great flavor enhancers for cooking, grilling meat, and they also make wonderful gifts for friends and family. Try the above easy, general recipe for herb flavored vinegars and experiment with the different flavors to make a unique vinegar and herb blend.
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
