Is Vodka Butter Actually Infused With Vodka?
Vodka is typically reserved for dry martinis, lemon drops, and shots chased with zesty pickle juice (hey, don't knock it 'til you try it!). Whether you prefer Tito's or Deep Eddy, Belvedere or Grey Goose, vodka is a versatile liquor that works well in many boozy recipes. And while you might think that vodka is strictly reserved for drinking, it can be a handy ingredient for cooking as well.
Commonly used in Italian-inspired pasta sauces, vodka boosts the aroma of creamy tomato sauce while bringing all of its physical elements together. You can also use vodka in a meat marinade or as a tool for extra-flaky pastries.
But what about vodka butter? A liquor that packs a punch paired with the smooth, easy flavor of butter sounds like a culinary faux pas, but, on the contrary, vodka butter has a delicate, robust flavor that can enhance your everyday recipes. Is it really just vodka and butter, though?
Vodka butter is as straightforward as it seems
Vodka butter is making its way across the internet thanks to recipe developer Carolina Gelen, who recently shared a recipe for the unique ingredient on TikTok. To make vodka butter, she uses just two simple ingredients: vodka and butter. Gelen starts by combining a stick of unsalted butter with a few unmeasured shots of vodka in a food processor before giving it a whirl. Et voila! That's literally all it takes.
@carolinagelen
The vodka adds a subtle kick to the soft flavor of butter and works well in pasta sauces, paired with meat and cheese on a charcuterie board, cooked with fish, or — if you're like Gelen — in a creamy bean dish or served with anchovies on toast.
Just remember the better the vodka, the better the vodka butter. Since you're not cooking out the alcohol, it's essential to buy high-quality vodka that doesn't compromise on flavor.