A Texas rattlesnake rancher accused of selling bootleg vodka with baby snakes inside claims the concoction is an elixir, to be used for medicinal purposes.

Bob Popplewell, proprietor of Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch in Palo Pinto County, said the vodka -- with a tiny rattlesnake in each bottle -- is an ancient Asian elixir that has medicinal properties, but is mainly purchased as a keepsake, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported Wednesday.

I've honestly never seen a person drink it, he said of the foul-tasting concoction, which he compared to cough syrup.

However, agents with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission confiscated 429 bottles of the substance, as well as one bottle of snake-infused tequila, from Popplewell's ranch last week. He was charged with misdemeanor charges of selling alcohol without a license and possessing alcohol with intent to sell, and could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

TABC Sgt. Charlie Cloud said Popplewell would need an industrial permit from the state to sell the snake and vodka mixture as an elixir.

He doesn't have any permit at all, Cloud said.

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