Booze for Free!

[veggiechicken]

The Andy Hamilton Book "Booze for Free" is for sale at The Works for £3.99
Booze for Free: Amazon.co.uk: Andy Hamilton: Books
I didn't know which Forum to put this in as its also about foraging and the drinks are not all alcoholic! It includes cordials and soft drinks - even an ale made from Japanese Knotweed. Worth a look

[mrbadexample]

Hmmm...whilst I like the sound of that, I remain unconvinced after looking at one of his videos on the Amazon page: "How to make horseradish vodka."

"Put some horseradish in a jar. Add vodka. Leave for three days then put the vodka back in the bottle." Well, forgive me if I'm wrong, but where did he get the free vodka from? Either he's been raiding his elderly mam's drinks cabinet, or he's had a five-finger discount from the local Spar.

It almost reminds me of a time round a mate's house when he got the vodka out, and I asked him if he had any fruit. "Nah, all I've got is this onion." Hence onion vodka was born. You take a good sized lump of onion, add vodka, let it steep for a few minutes then drink it. Surprisingly, I am utterly unable to recommend it to anyone.

[veggiechicken]

The horseradish vodka require a litre of vodka! If his old mam has that much in her drink cupboard she either hates it or is so addicted she'd miss it immediately.
There are some odd ingredients in the book and I don't think the recipes are very detailed but it does give you ideas about uses for wild food. Not sure I can be bothered though

[Newton]

From worth a look to not bothered in one post...........veggiechicken.........have you been on the horsetail vodka?

[veggiechicken]

As if......... The "can't be bothered" refers to the wine making process, that I remember as so much hassle when my husband used to make wine. I still have a cupboard full
But to a dedicated winemaker or a forager (me) its worth a look

[Paulottie]

Whilst I make sloe gin by the demijohn;I know the family love it..... I am not sure I'd commit a whole litre of vodka to a lump of horse radish before I've tried it.

There was a bar called Garlic and Shots in Soho at which (umpty years ago) I tried many strange things steeped in Vodka....garlic and chilli were quite acceptable; but most were not worth a second shot.

I'd get some smaller bottles and scale down for unusual concoctions. The other caveat I'd say is to be sure that if using juicy fruit like raspberries etc. not to use too much and dilute the alcholic content to a point it ferments.

...better perhaps to make a wine and then you might try to fortify it. (i had good results with damsons like this)

As you say VC interesting but difficult to find the time.....that said, I think I might pop out and get some mushrooms before work.

[Newton]

Aaaah.....I see. It must have been a really well made cupboard not to have leaked in all that time......

[veggiechicken]

It does have a sloe leak (get it?)

[taff]

Not sure if anyone's seen these either
All river cottage handbooks for £25
The River Cottage Handbook Collection - 10 books (Paperback) - - 9781408834701

[veggiechicken]

That's fantastic, taff. I've been meaning to buy a couple of them for ages. To get the set for the same price - my order is going in now

[northepaul]

VC...I have warned you!!

[veggiechicken]

VC...I have warned you!!

Just think of all the shopping opportunities you'll miss if you Ignore me

[Mikey]

I have this book, and have used it several times, it needs more pictures, big words are very tiring.

What does a demi john look like, I've seen a dear john, and an Elton John, is a Demi john Moore feminine?

[veggiechicken]

There are 2 Demis in a Demijohn - Jo and hn

[Mikey]

See that's where I've been going wrong, I've only been looking for 1!.... D'oh.

Thats two things I've learnt today, I think Wednesdays are a good day for learning. My brain needs a rest now so I'm gonna go and have a run around the garden, and a glass of milk.