I have made several butterflies and flowers from a fondant/gumpaste mixture for a girls 4th bday cake.
Is it safe to brush on pearl shimmer dust using vodka?
I have been told the alcohol evaporates as it dries and leaves no taste, but just want to be doubly sure!!!

yes its perfectly fine, you can also use clear vanilla extract or lemon extract if your worried about it but after the vodka dries there is no taste or alcohol left.

Vodka works awesome! I worried in the beginning too, but it did a great job, and it doesn't take long until you can't even tell you used it

Sorry to just jump in, but I have been curious about using vodka as well. What is the best vodka to use or does it matter? Also, what is the best ratio of pearl shimmer to vodka?

Most vodka is the same proof, 70, as the vanilla extract sold in stores. Both are 35%. So bypassing the vodka and subbing vanilla is still the same amount of alcohol.

a higher amount of alcohol will lead to a thinner covering of the dust....so it totally depends on the affect you are going for. Thinner mixtures are great for hints of shimmer, whereas less liquid in the mixture covers solidly. my suggestion is to test the opacitity of your mixture before using it on the cutouts you plan to use on the cake. As a side note, if you just want touches of shimmer, you cant brush it on dry as well.

I buy the miniature vodka bottles from Smirnoff and get the flavored kind, usually vanilla or strawberry, leaves a nice smell and blends well too.

I use clear extracts as well for the scents they leave....coconut was a big hit!