Holiday Drink Recipes: Vodka with Gold Leaf

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Holiday Drink Recipes: Vodka with Gold Leaf

Gold is biologically inert and non-toxic, provided that it’s relatively pure (22-24 karats). For millennia, humans have been consuming (internally!) this prized precious metal. To this day, gold, in the form of gold leaf, is used in gourmet confections, and gold salts serve as effective anti-inflammatory aids for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold consumption can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who credited the metal with metaphysical and healing powers. In fact, many believe our enduring obsession with gold began with the Egyptians some 5,000 years ago. Often associated with Eternity, gold, or “the skin of the gods,” held deep spiritual value for the Egyptians. Gold’s significance didn’t end there, however. Egyptians imbibed gold to cleanse the mind, body, and soul and restore youth and life force.

Renaissance physician and alchemist Paracelsus (1493-1541) also touted the healing powers of gold: "Gold receives its influence from the Sun, which is, as it were, the Heart of the world, and by communicating these influences to the human heart, it serves to fortify and cleanse it from all impurities." Paracelsus created the first modern gold colloid solution for medicinal purposes.

From this point, gold was used in a variety of healing endeavors. In 1857, English scientist Michael Faraday used colloidal gold (i.e. gold particles suspended in a liquid solution) for various medicinal purposes. German bacteriologist Robert Koch won the 1905 Nobel Prize for his discovery that gold helps inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.

Liquid Gold: Smirnoff Gold Vodka 

Now there is a new reason to celebrate gold’s edibility—and just in time for the holidays! Smirnoff has created a luxury vodka with a very special ingredient. You guessed it—gold. With gold leaf and a hint of cinnamon, Smirnoff Gold, according to Smirnoff themselves, is best served straight on the rocks or in a cocktail called “The Golden Delicious:” Smirnoff Gold mixed with apple liqueur, cinnamon, and maple syrup served up in a martini glass (perfect for admiring the suspended gold leaf). It would be hard to imagine a better liquor for any upscale holiday bash.

How would you serve Smirnoff Gold? 

This may leave us to wonder, can the gold consumed in vodka help offset any negative effects of alcohol consumption? On that note, will it rev up our life force? But perhaps a better question is: how will you serve this dazzling drink? For more gold cocktail inspiration, check out The Bar.

Photos: Michael E. via Flickr, Smirnoff, The Bar

Posted in creative, drink recipes, fun, gold, holiday parties, holidays, informational

Next →

← Previous

Leave a Reply