The DIY wave has many facets. Suzy Atkins guides us through its liquid side in How to make your own drinks (Mitchell Beazley, Fall 2011).
It will be a little late to have this recipe ready for Christmas 2011. You can always offer it as an unfinished melody.
Here's Quince Vodka recipe from How to Make Your Own Drinks.
Quince Vodka
Makes approximately 600ml (1 pint)
I challenge anyone not to like this – quinces give the vodka a yellow glow and a honeyed flavour. This is another drink that you make in the autumn to be ready by Christmas. Another great gift, then.
2 large quinces
50cl (18fl oz) vodka (unflavoured)
200g (7oz) golden caster sugar
1. Wash and dry the quinces, then grate them, whole and unpeeled, using the coarse side of a grater. Use the entire fruit, core and all. As you grate, put batches into a kilner jar and splash in a little vodka,
or the fruit will quickly brown.
2. Work swiftly and pile all the last bits into the jar and add the sugar, topping the whole lot up with the vodka.
3. Seal and turn gently to mix. Turn every day for 2 weeks, then occasionally for another 4 weeks. Strain after this period, discard the quince and bottle the lovely golden spirit.
* This tastes quite sweet and doesn’t need any more sugar adding at the end (as some recipes suggest).
* Delicious with a fresh fruit salad, or with a plate of preserved fruits (apricots, figs, dates), toasted hazelnuts and pistachios.
* I have made this with decent windfalls, but do inspect each quince carefully and discard any that are very bruised.
(* Quince Vodka recipe from How to make your own drinks by Suzy Atkins- Mitchell Beazley- Fall 2011- shared with permission- all rights reserved)