Christmas Pudding Vodka

overnight

no cooking required

Makes 500ml/18fl oz

Keep this delicious aperitif in the freezer for a refreshing – and surprising – Christmas drink.

• 300g/10½oz mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, raisins)
• 75g/3oz caster sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp ground mixed spice
• 6 cloves
• ½ whole nutmeg, finely grated
• 1 orange, zest only, finely grated
• 1 unwaxed lemon, zest only, finely grated
• 750ml/1 pint 5fl oz bottle good quality vodka

1. Mix the dried fruit with the sugar, cinnamon sticks, mixed spice, cloves, grated nutmeg and citrus zest in a large bowl.
2. Pour over the vodka, and cover tightly with cling film.
3. Place in the fridge and leave for 3 days, stirring once each day.
4. Line a sieve with a double layer of fine muslin and place over a large, clean jug.
5. Pour the dried fruit and vodka mixture into the sieve and allow to drip through into the jug.
6. Pour into a sterilized bottle.