Put a Cork in it…And Make it a Real Cork Please.
Yesterday I reminded all of you that homemade holidays take a little bit of planning if you want to avoid giving everyone those, albeit lovely, last minute ziti noodle on a string necklaces. They really do go with everything, but perhaps a flavored vinegar, vodka or oil may say you actually care about someone a little better. (Or maybe the ziti necklace says it all.)
In the comments of yesterday Chile brought up an excellent question…how do we get the greenest supplies possible to store our delectables?
Bottles…any bottle that can be sterilized and corked, lidded, or capped can be used for bottling your creations. The aesthetics are up to you. Obviously clear bottles allow you to see the infusing herbs inside a vinegar or vodka, but darker bottles would be better suited for preserving the longevity of oils…and also if what you have created is tastier than it is pretty.
Where to get bottles…If you drink wine or use vinegar you probably have a few good bottles kicking around the ol’ recycly bin already. If not, start snooping through your friends’ and neighbors’ bins. Put the word out with your peeps as to what you need so they remember to put the goods aside for you. If you want something a bit fancier, check thrift stores, yard sales, free cycle, etc.
If you don’t find what you are looking for try buying recycled glass from SKS.., which makes basic medicinal looking bottles or Traders & Company which have a more artsy, and expensive, flair. Who wouldn’t love homemade raspberry vodka in this bottle with these recycled shot glasses? 
Corking Your Hole…Once you have picked your vessel you will need to be sure to have an airtight seal. The SKS bottles come with screw on caps which may or may not be to your liking depending on whether or not you are making an edible or a smearable. The logical choice for hole plugging is a cork. A REAL CORK! Responsible cork foresting is actually a good thing for people, animals, and the environment. If you are crazy about corks read more here. To buy corks check The Widget Company or Crazy Corks.
As far as what to put in your bottle.. oils, vinegar, and vodka can pretty much be infused with anything. I have linked to the basics…but be creative. Use your garden and your local markets as your inspiration. Feel free to leave a list of your favorite flavors in the comments to give others some ideas. If you make a raspberry mint infused vodka and you aren’t sure it tastes quite right, send it to me and I will taste it for you. Over and over and over. I can do that for you. I’m such a giver.
Vodka Infusion Basics
Vinegar & Oil Infusion Basics
Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll start hitting up the thrift stores for bottles. Have you seen the ones with rubber clamp-down stoppers? I use those when I can find them for a decent price.
Another good vodka site is this one on Danish Schnapps.
Awesome idea for gifts! I will have to keep my eye out for bottles at garage sales and such. Can I just say (as the mother of 4 boys…) that I hope Santa brings me the infused vodka with sustainable cork topper in my stocking? I’ve been good, I promise! ;o)