This rich Christmas pudding vodka is made with mixed dried fruit, cinnamon, mixed spice, cloves, nutmeg, and citrus zest steeped in smooth vodka. The result is a warm, spiced spirit that tastes just like Christmas pudding in a glass. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 3 days to infuse, making about 500ml.
I make a batch of this every November so it is ready in time for the festive season. It is one of the easiest homemade gifts you can put together, and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Christmas Pudding Vodka Ingredients
- 750ml bottle of good quality vodka
- 300g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, and raisins)
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp ground mixed spice
- 6 cloves
- Half a whole nutmeg, finely grated
- 1 orange, zest only, finely grated
- 1 unwaxed lemon, zest only, finely grated
How To Make Christmas Pudding Vodka
- Mix the fruit and spices: Place the mixed dried fruit, caster sugar, cinnamon sticks, mixed spice, cloves, grated nutmeg, and both citrus zests into a large bowl. Stir everything together so the fruit is well coated.
- Add the vodka: Pour the entire bottle of vodka over the fruit and spice mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with cling film.
- Infuse in the fridge: Place the bowl in the fridge and leave it for 3 days. Give it a good stir once each day to help the flavours develop evenly.
- Strain and bottle: Line a sieve with a double layer of fine muslin and set it over a clean jug. Pour the mixture through and let it drip completely. Transfer the strained vodka into a sterilised bottle.
What Is the Secret to Perfect Christmas Pudding Vodka?
- Choose a decent vodka: You do not need the most expensive brand, but pick one that is smooth and clean tasting. A harsh vodka will come through in the final drink.
- Stir once each day: A daily stir during the 3 day infusion ensures the sugar dissolves fully and the spices release their flavour evenly throughout the vodka.
- Use unwaxed citrus fruit: Since you are using the zest, unwaxed oranges and lemons give the best flavour. If you can only find waxed fruit, scrub them well under hot water first.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the vodka after straining. If you prefer it a little sweeter, dissolve a tablespoon of caster sugar in a splash of warm water and stir it through.
- Make it a gift: Pour the finished vodka into small decorative bottles and tie with a ribbon. It pairs perfectly alongside a box of homemade mince pies for a thoughtful Christmas gift.
What Should You Serve on the Side?
This spiced vodka is best served ice cold, straight from the freezer. Pour it into small glasses as an after-dinner treat or serve it as a chilled shot before a festive meal. For a longer drink, top it up with good quality ginger ale or sparkling water.
It also works brilliantly in cocktails. Try it mixed with cranberry juice and a squeeze of fresh orange for a Christmas party punch. Serve it alongside a glazed Christmas ham or a classic cheese board for the full festive spread.
Does This Keep Well?
Once strained and bottled, this vodka keeps for several months in the fridge or at room temperature. The high alcohol content preserves the flavours well, so there is no rush to finish it.
You can also store it in the freezer. The alcohol stops it from freezing solid, and serving it straight from the freezer makes it beautifully cold and smooth.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 75 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary Fibre: 0g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to sterilise the bottle before filling it? Yes, always sterilise the bottle first. Wash it well, lay it on a baking tray in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes, and let it cool completely before pouring in the strained vodka.
How does Hairy Bikers christmas pudding vodka compare to Jamie Oliver’s version? The Hairy Bikers version uses mixed spice, cloves, and nutmeg for a classic pudding flavour, while Jamie Oliver toasts his spices in a dry pan first. Both are excellent, but the Hairy Bikers method is simpler with no cooking involved.
What can you do with the leftover soaked fruit? The boozy fruit is delicious stirred through vanilla ice cream or folded into a sticky toffee pudding batter. You can also chop it and use it as a filling for mince pies.
Can you use rum or gin instead of vodka? Yes, both work well. Rum gives a sweeter, richer result that suits dark cocktails, while gin adds a botanical edge that pairs nicely with tonic water.
Can you make christmas pudding vodka ahead of time? Yes, it keeps for several months once strained and bottled. Make it in early November and it will be perfectly ready for Christmas parties and gifting.
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Hairy Bikers Christmas Pudding Vodka Recipe
Description
This Christmas pudding vodka from the Hairy Bikers is a simple festive treat. Mixed dried fruit, cinnamon, mixed spice, cloves, nutmeg, and citrus zest are steeped in smooth vodka for 3 days, then strained into a sterilised bottle. It makes about 500ml of spiced vodka, ready to sip cold or give as a gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the fruit and spices: Place the mixed dried fruit, caster sugar, cinnamon sticks, mixed spice, cloves, grated nutmeg, and both citrus zests into a large bowl. Stir everything together so the fruit is well coated.
- Add the vodka: Pour the entire bottle of vodka over the fruit and spice mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with cling film.
- Infuse in the fridge: Place the bowl in the fridge and leave it for 3 days. Give it a good stir once each day to help the flavours develop evenly.
- Strain and bottle: Line a sieve with a double layer of fine muslin and set it over a clean jug. Pour the mixture through and let it drip completely. Transfer the strained vodka into a sterilised bottle.
