Vodka is an internationally popular spirit, but making your own can seem daunting at first. But this blog step-by-step guide will take you through every step of making vodka at home!
Ingredients and Equipment
Before getting started, it is necessary to gather all the required ingredients and equipment.
- 10 pounds of potatoes
- 5 gallons of water
- 1 packet of yeast
- 1 pound of sugar
- 1 large pot
- 1 fermentation vessel
- 1 still
- 1 thermometer
- 1 hydrometer
- 1 strainer
- 1 funnel
- 1 glass jar or bottle for storage
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
The first step in making vodka is preparing the potatoes. Start by washing and peeling 10 pounds of potatoes. Cut them into small pieces and place them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with 5 gallons of water and bring to a boil. Let the potatoes boil for about 30 minutes, or until they are soft.
Step 2: Fermentation
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, mash them with a potato masher or blend them in a food processor. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a fermentation vessel and add 1 packet of yeast and 1 pound of sugar. Mix well and cover the vessel with a lid or cloth. Let the mixture ferment for 3–5 days.
Step 3: Distillation
After the fermentation process is complete, it’s time to distill the vodka. Start by transferring the fermented mixture to a still. Heat the still slowly and collect the liquid that comes out of the still. This liquid is known as the “heads” and should be discarded. Once the temperature reaches 173 degrees Fahrenheit, the “hearts” will start to come out. This is the purest form of vodka and should be collected in a separate container. Once the temperature reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the “tails” will start to come out. These are the impurities and should also be discarded.
Step 4: Filtering and Bottling
After the distillation process is complete, you can filter the vodka to remove any remaining impurities. You can use a charcoal filter or a coffee filter for this step. Once the vodka is filtered, it’s time to bottle it. Use a funnel to transfer the vodka into a glass jar or bottle for storage.
Step 5: Enjoying Your Homemade Vodka
Congratulations, you have successfully made your own distilled vodka! You can enjoy it straight or use it to make delicious cocktails. Add your desired spices and herbs to the vodka for a deliciously spicy vodka sauce!
Making your own vodka may seem like a complicated process, but with the right ingredients and equipment, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. So why not give it a try and impress your friends with your homemade distilled vodka? Cheers!
