• 2 T black peppercorns, slightly cracked
• 1 red jalapeno pepper, slit lengthwise
• 1 green jalapeno pepper, slit lengthwise
• 1 serrano pepper, slit lengthwise
• 2 garlic cloves

There is a bit of disagreement on whether pepper vodka is vodka flavored with peppercorns or with hot peppers. I say, why argue? Let's do both!

Take a fifth of vodka and remove enough to fit the flavorings in. Take the peppers and slice lengthwise. Put the peppers, stems, seeds and all into the vodka. Cut the garlic small enough to fit into the bottle and add it. Finally, put the peppercorns into the vodka.

Close the vodka and store it at room temperature in a dark place until the vodka takes on the flavor desired. It should do time for at least a week.

Strain the vodka through cheesecloth and return to the bottle. There is some controversy regarding the long-term storage suitability of pepper vodka. Some say you have to freeze what you don't use in the short-term.

Emeril
Alton