Kumquat Cardamom Liqueur Recipe (Waste Not Want Not Challenge) (2024)

Reese Moore

Kumquats.

I stumbled across them at the local grocery store yesterday, which reminded me I still had a delicious and easy to make spiced kumquat liqueur lingering in my fridge, that is in dire need of a blog post and also a chilled glass after a long day.

You heard me wax poetic about them during the last Waste Not Want Not Challenge.But when you have a bumper crop of these feisty little citrus fruits and are determined to use them all, it's easy to run out of steam. Kumquat upsidedown cake, kumquat chutney, kumquat tangine, kumquat marmalade, kumquat ice cream, kumquat fennel salad dressing... I WAS SO SICK OF KUMQUATS! And still had several pints left to use up! How do you use a ton of kumquats quickly?!

Few recipes are as easy a way to use a boatload of kumquats as making a take on limoncello, which basically starts out as an infused vodka, so that's where I finished my Waste Not Want Not Challenge. But being more than a little extra when it comes to a good DIY, I took it several steps further to a delicious spiced kumquat-ginger co*cktail. As I work my way through this recipe, remember two things:

1) Kumquats hold their sugar in their peels, unlike normal citrus, so the PEELS ARE SWEET. This gives them a special, unique flavor and bright, sunny complexity.

2) You do not have to take this recipe all the way to the end. It's delicious as an infused vodka. It's delicious as a kumquat-cello, It's delicious as a spiced kumquat infusion. It's my favorite as a finished co*cktail with some Cannonborough Beverage Co ginger beer. I'm getting ahead of myself.

Kumquat Infused Vodka

  1. Destem roughly 4 cups kumquats by firmly twisting stems, if attached. Lightly scrub peels under running water.

  2. Remove seeds, as they will add undesirable bitterness. This is often easiest by slicing kumquat in half width-wise, and then gently squeezing fruit. Slice remaining fruit into rounds, including peels.

  3. Put kumquats into glass jar (plastic will leach into alcohol and absorb scent). Pour one 750ml bottle vodka over sliced kumquats. Seal tightly, shake vigorously. NOTE: The type of vodka you choose DOES MATTER. I've made this twice. Once with Tito's, once with a cheaper potato-based vodka. I highly recommend starting with a smooth, moderately priced vodka with a softer flavor. Harsh vodka? Harsh liqueur.

  4. Let vodka infuse in cool, dark place for 4 days, or to taste. Agitate jars for stronger flavor.

*This post contains affiliate links.This means that if you click through and give the product a whirl, I get a tiny fee for spreading the news at no extra cost to you.

Kumquat Cardamom Liqueur

  1. Infuse vodka according to instructions above.

  2. Lay 10 green cardamom pods on cutting board, place flat side of chef's knife over pods. Apply pressure until pods are lightly crushed. Pour pods into kumquat-infused vodka. Leave for 24 hours, or as desired.

  3. Strain kumquat cardamom vodka through cheesecloth or kitchen sieve into new, larger jar.

  4. Combine 3 cups sugar and 3 cups water in non-reactive pot over medium heat, stirring frequently. Heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove and allow to fully cool.

  5. Once simple syrup has cooled, pour into kumquat cardamom infused vodka and stir. Store in refrigerator, serve chilled, and enjoy!

Spiced Kumquat Splash

  1. Combine equal parts chilled kumquat cardamom liqueur with ginger beer in chilled glass. NOTE: I picked Cannonborough Beverage Co Ginger Beer because it's flippin' delicious, made locally, and I know what's in it. I love the fiery little kick!

  2. Stir.

  3. Relax and enjoy!

I love this every step of the way! The kumquatcello was a huge hit with the fam, but there's something so lovely about relaxing with a tiny glass of kumquat cardamom liqueur after a long day. It's sweet, it's fragrant, it's exotic, and has a charming complexity.

The Spiced Kumquat Splash is where it's at for me. It's the perfect co*cktail for catching up with an old friend or just sitting on the porch swing, watching a spring evening go by.

The best part, though, is knowing that I used every one of those urban-foraged backyard-grown, pesticide and fertilizer-free kumquats. They appeared as nutritious meals at family gatherings, were shared with neighbors in the form of sweet treats, and linger still as bright, zingy treats in my fridge, with no harmful environmental impact!

As always, pinkies out and bottoms up!

Kumquat Cardamom Liqueur Recipe (Waste Not Want Not Challenge) (2024)

FAQs

Kumquat Cardamom Liqueur Recipe (Waste Not Want Not Challenge)? ›

Combine 3 cups sugar and 3 cups water in non-reactive pot over medium heat, stirring frequently. Heat until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove and allow to fully cool. Once simple syrup has cooled, pour into kumquat cardamom infused vodka and stir.

How do you drink kumquat liqueur corfu? ›

Kumquat liqueur is served chilled as a digestive drink after each meal. It is also wonderful with crushed ice or as an ingredient in co*cktails with a “Greek character”. Fits great with fruit salads as a topping and can be used to flavor a cake.

What can I do with too many kumquats? ›

Besides eating them whole, other uses for kumquats include: Chutneys, marinades and sauces for meat, chicken or fish. Marmalades, jams and jellies. Sliced in salads (fruit or leafy green)

How do you prepare or use a kumquat? ›

Kumquats are entirely edible when ripe, rind and all (although the seeds should be removed). They may be eaten as is, with seeds removed, cut in half, or sliced thinly and used as a garnish for a meat platter or in salads.

What liquor is made from kumquats? ›

Bright and sweet-tangy ripe kumquat makes the beautiful liqueur in very easy steps.

How do you serve tsipouro? ›

According to Greek manufacturers, the best way to enjoy tsipouro is straight from the fridge. Some people prefer to either dilute with water or add ice. Tsipouro is usually served in shot glasses with meze (a small side dish) such as nuts, dried fruit, raisins, cheese, olives, seafood, meat, halva, or paximadi (rusk).

What is the national drink of Corfu? ›

The local drink of Corfu

The literal translation of Kumquat from Chinese is 'golden orange', which is precisely what the fruit looks like. It is a bitter-tasting citrus fruit that cannot be eaten raw, but the liqueur made from it is deliciously sweet.

Is kumquat a laxative? ›

“Kumquats do have plentiful amounts of fiber—5 pieces total 6.5 grams of fiber which is 23% of the daily recommendation,” Angelo White says. “They also contain magnesium which can have a laxative effect.” She also notes that the acidity of the fruit may bother those prone to reflux.

Are kumquats inflammatory? ›

Kumquats are rich in powerful antioxidants. These may help fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. They may also lower the risk of long-term diseases like heart disease and cancer.

What are the side effects of kumquat? ›

Risks and Side Effects

Additionally, kumquats are very high in fiber. While this is definitely beneficial in terms of health, increasing your fiber intake too quickly can lead to unwanted side effects, such as bloating, cramps and diarrhea.

What pairs well with kumquats? ›

On the sweet side, they pair beautifully with chocolate, vanilla, mint and other fruit, like pears and cranberries. For savory dishes, think about pairing kumquats with duck, pork, chicken, fish, cheese, greens and grains.

Why are kumquats so expensive? ›

"It's a very labor intensive crop so it is dependent on being able to hire the workforce to pack supply," he explained. "When there are not enough workers available, prices escalate and if the prices are too high, movement stops." Kumquats are finding many ways to be utilized, whether eaten directly or not.

What fruit is mistaken for kumquat? ›

Well, you look like one! Loquats, also known as a Japanese apricot or plum, are in the Rosaceae family, the same as apples, pears, peaches and nectarines. Kumquats, however, are a citrus fruit — think of them as the smaller, tarter version of an orange.

What does kumquat liqueur taste like? ›

Strong blood orange notes, very fresh and fruity. Hints of fresh-pressed orange juice. Great balance, extremely smooth. Lovely notes of mandarin, orange and citrus, but also orange blossom with a little hint of spice.

Are there any benefits to drinking kumquats? ›

It is a high source of powerful antioxidants, vitamin C, flavonoids, vitamin A, fiber, phytonutrients, plant compounds, calcium, magnesium, etc. This helps promote heart, bone, and skin health. It also helps in reducing blood sugar levels, boosts immunity, reduces weight, and prevents the formation of cancer cells.

What is a cross between a lime and a kumquat called? ›

Calamondin Lime. Calamondins are a hybrid of a lime and a kumquat. The tree is small, upright and bushy with many attractive, bright orange small fruits all through the year.

How do you drink Beirao liqueur? ›

The Beirao liqueur is most often tasted as an after-dinner drink, neat or with ice cubes. It is also an excellent base for co*cktails, it goes well with fruit juices, sodas, or liqueurs such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Try pairing it with fresh orange juice, lime, or lemonade for a refreshing and delicious drink.

What is Corfu famous drink? ›

Corfu is famous for its kumquat liqueur

The meaning of the term is “golden fruit,” and it was introduced on the island of Corfu by an English agronomist in 1860. Since that time, the kumquat has become one of the main agricultural products of the island.

How do you drink flavored liqueur? ›

It's often the modifier or perfume of a co*cktail. Liqueurs can also be consumed straight on their own—usually sipped as an aperitif before a meal or digestif after a meal. You can drink them on the rocks or neat, depending on your preference.

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