Bottles for flavored or herb vinegar are a beautiful touch on a kitchen counter and are practical, as well. Added to salads or vegetable dishes, the enhanced vinegar offers a unique flavor. Vinegar bottles are perfect gifts, allowing you to stay within your budget, and present a friend or loved one with an elegant culinary delight.
Instructions
1. Sterilize the glass bottle or jar, as well as its nonmetal lid, by running them through your dishwasher. You can find plain or beautifully cut glass bottles at varying prices online. Choose containers with wood, cork, glass or plastic lids.
2. Collect or purchase fresh herbs of your choice. Consider basil, dill, sage, rosemary, thyme, lemon rind, garlic or hot peppers. You can also use combinations of herbs and flavorings (see tips).
3. Wash the herbs or flavorings and dry them by patting with a paper towel. Any water left on the flavorings or inside the bottle will cause a foggy appearance in the vinegar.
4. Drop the fresh herbs or flavorings into the prepared bottle or jar. Use a wood skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to arrange them. You can add other dried herbs with the fresh ones, if you like.
5. Add the vinegar. You can get different appearances and flavors by using different vinegars: white, red, apple cider or balsamic. Pour the vinegar up to half an inch from the top of the container.
6. Set the bottle aside for 24 hours. The herbs will soak up some of the vinegar. You will need to top the bottles off with additional vinegar.
7. Create a tag or label. Print a tag from your computer, and attach it to the top of the vinegar bottle with raffia or ribbon. A label can also be created and printed on label paper to stick on the front of the bottle. Give your vinegar a fun name and include interesting facts on the tag or label. This whimsical touch completes a perfect gift.
Tags: herbs flavorings, fresh herbs