Dandelion schnapps - based on fresh dandelion flower heads - has a fresh, aromatic and sweetish acid taste. The colour is yellow, sometimes dark yellow or reddish golden.
A very enjoyable schnapps that goes very well with chocolate, chocolate desserts and cakes.
Based on fresh dandelion roots you get another kind of schnapps - dry, spicy and very aromatic with a pleasant bitter taste.
The colour is reddish brown.
Enjoy on its own - or serve with roast meat and more heavy food where you would normally serve beer.
Flowers: Remove the green sepals with a small, sharp knife (the sepals are very bitter).
Roots: Leave them to dry for a couple of days in the shadow - on paper towel. Then slice them thinly.
Use a clean glass jar with tight-fitting lid.
Fill 2/3 of the jar with flower heads - or sliced roots.
Cover with clear, unflavoured vodka - 40% alcohol content (80 proof). Leave some air above.
Let steep in a dark place at room temperature, 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Flowers: Steep for 1-7 days.
Roots: Steep for 1-7 days.
Shake lightly and taste it from time to time.
Strain and filter your infusion into a clean glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid.
The root schnapps can be very muddy. It might be necessary to filter it a couple of times.
The flower schnapps should be enjoyed within a couple of days. Storage (aging) doesn't improve the flavours - on the contrary.
The root schnapps however, can be stored for several months - in a dark place at room temperature.
Note: If for some reason you are not satisfied with your infusion, there are ways to adjust both taste and flavours - click here to see how.
Serve your dandelion schnapps at room temperature in suitable glasses. And remember to keep your schnapps bottle tightly closed and in a dark place before and between servings.