(San Francisco Chronicle)

10 green cardamom pods
1 1/2 cups good-quality vodka
10 slices of fresh ginger, 1/4-inch thick

Spread cardamom seeds on a cutting board and crush lightly with the broad side of a chef’s knife. Pour vodka into a 2-quart jar, and then add cardamom pods and ginger. Cover tightly with lid and shake gently. Place in a dark, cool area and shake gently every few days. After two weeks, strain infused vodka into a clean bottle. Use immediately, or allow to age further if desired.

(San Francisco Chronicle)

4 medium-size oranges
2 cups good-quality vodka
1 cinnamon stick
5 whole cloves

Heat oven to 200. Using a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler, cut zest from oranges in strips. (Avoid cutting into the white pith, which is bitter.) Spread zest strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until dry and fragrant.

Pour vodka into a 1.5-quart jar, and then add orange zest, cinnamon stick and cloves. Cover tightly with lid and shake gently. Place in a dark, cool area and shake gently every few days. After seven days, strain infused vodka into a clean bottle. Use immediately, or allow to age further if desired.