Tomato Leaf Infused Vodka

Tomato leaf-infused vodka is the perfect way to mark the transition of Summer to Fall, representing the best of both seasons. I made a couple of Bloody Mary's with it recently for a good friend and I to sip as we lounged outside on a Saturday afternoon. We soaked in both the sun and the laziness of it all, know that afternoons like these would soon be scare. Case in point: I had harvested my tomato leaves in a panic during a rainstorm a week before, thinking this was my last chance! It wasn't, but if you have checked out the weather report lately, there is more to come.

Tomato Leaf Infused Vodka

1 cup roughly chopped tomato leaves
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 teaspoon crushed pink peppercorn
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon coriander

Combine all ingredients into 750ml of vodka. Reuse the vodka bottle, or transfer to another airtight container. Let sit for at least a week, agitating once a day. 

Finlandia vodka is a good bet. Pure, clean taste for a bargain price. To be fair, the really cheap stuff also does the trick. One of the best, (and priciest!), Bloody Mary's that I have ever enjoyed can be found at Etta's. The bartender there was all too obliging to let us in on their secret: They infuse Gordon's vodka - yes, Gordon's! -  with bell peppers, jalapenos and garlic. Cheers!