Showing posts with label vodka. Show all posts
Makes Vodka From Cow Milk
Jason Barber, a farmer from Dorset, England, has spent three years creating the world’s first milk vodka. Now, his Black Cow label is the poison of choice for celebrities like Elizabeth Hurley and James Bond star Daniel Craig.
47-year-old Jason Barber, a sixth generation farmer, got the idea for his pure cow milk vodka after watching a TV documentary on Tuva, a small Siberian republic where people make vodka from yak milk. Intrigued by the idea, he set out to make his own, from the milk of the 250 cows on his farm in Beaminster, Dorset. It took him three long years to perfect the process, but the final result is nothing short of impressive, according to food and drink experts. Barber starts out by separating the milk into curds and whey.
He uses the former to make cheese, while the latter is fermented into beer, using special yeast, to convert the sugar into alcohol. After being distilled, the milk beer goes through a special blending process. The resulting vodka is triple-filtered and hand-bottled. Made from fresh whole milk Black Cow vodka is apparently an exceptionally smooth drink with a distinct creamy character.
Photo: Black Cow
According to the IB Times, Jason has a long history of making his own drinks: he was thrown out of school for making a brew from fermented orange juice and storing it in unused school cellars. He also has a personal interest in vodka, as it’s the only alcoholic drink that doesn’t give him a hangover. Black Cow has received positive reviews since it was launched, and can now be found on the menus of posh English restaurants like those owned by acclaimed chefs Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. The world’s first pure milk vodka is priced at £27.85 ($42) per 70cl bottle, and £22.85 ($35) per 50cl bottle.
Photo: Black Cow
10 Strange also Great Uses for Vodka
Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits because of its high alcohol content. But due to the same reason, it makes a great medicine. In addition to being a key ingredient in homemade vanilla extract , there are some other strange uses for Vodka.
Treat Poison Ivy
To avoid the uncomfortable reaction, immediately pour vodka on skin that has come into contact with poison ivy, and the alcohol will wash away the itchy culprit, urushiol oil. Some have said that the vodka needs to be at least 100 proof to work.
Others have argued that straight rubbing alcohol works better, but we’re guessing you may not have that as handy if you are on your average picnic.
Freshen Laundry
You can keep your clothes smelling fresher with vodka — really! Simply spritz your duds with the stuff, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. (Do a spot-test first to be safe.) Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn’t leave a scent when dry.
Shine Your Fixtures
It’s easy to get your chrome, glass, and porcelain fixtures shining like the top of the Chrysler Building. Guess what does the trick? Moisten a soft, clean cloth with vodka, then apply a little elbow grease.
Preserve Flowers
If vodka can help you find love, then it can also help you preserve it — or at least the symbols of it. Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase. It should help keep your flowers fresh longer. Change out the mixture with fresh ingredients daily.
Repel Insects
Who knew that vodka can kill pesky insects, as well as nagging doubts at the bar? Pour a little of the saucy spirit in a spray bottle and squirt on the little buggers, or yourself as a repellent. But please don’t take aim at any beneficial bees!
Soothe Jellyfish Stings
Jellyfish are fascinating, beautiful sea creatures. But their stingers can pack a powerful, painful punch. For vegetarians and others who don’t travel with meat tenderizer (or who don’t feel comfortable asking friends to, um, relieve the pain), take heart. Vodka can also disinfect and alleviate some of the bite of a jellyfish sting.
Get Great, Shiny Hair
Vodka doesn’t just make you think people look prettier. It actually can make people prettier. How? Try this remedy for healthier, lush hair: Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. Vodka is better than both shampoo and conditioner.
Clean Away Mold
Instead of harsh chemical sprays, try filling a recycled spray bottle with some bottom-shelf vodka. Spritz on, then let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with an old toothbrush (please don’t use your sister’s).
Make a Soothing Lavender Tincture
Fill a clean glass jar with fresh lavender flowers, then top off with vodka. Seal the lid tightly and place in the sun for three days (same idea as making sun tea!). Strain the resulting liquid through a coffee filter, and poof! You have a homemade tincture to rub into aches and pains. You can pour into smaller bottles, decorate them, and give them as unique gifts.
Ease a Toothache
Got a toothache? Your first priority should be to see a dentist. But sometimes you can’t get an appointment right away, or the professionals tell you it will just have to heal on its own.
In that case, try swishing a shot of vodka over the affected area. It can help disinfect, and should numb some of the pain in your gums. Just beware that your honey may accuse you of smelling like a saloon.
