Makes 1 (750 ml) bottle
1 (750 ml) bottle vodka
2 to 4 jalapeño or serrano chiles, halved
6 garlic cloves, halved
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
Place the vodka in a 1-quart glass jar. For very spicy vodka, use the halved chiles with the seeds. For less spicy vodka, discard the seeds and ribs.
Add the chiles, garlic, and peppercorns to the vodka. Screw the lid on the jar tightly, and allow it to steep for 1 to 3 days at room temperature. Strain out the solids, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Use a funnel to pour the liquid back into the original bottle, and label it clearly.
Variation: Substitute tequila for the vodka.