You will need
- A 750-milliliter bottle of liquor
- A pint of fruit
- 1 tbsp. spices or citrus zest
- A jar or pitcher with lid
- A fine sieve
- Simple syrup (optional)
Step 1 Choose your ingredients Choose your ingredients. For refreshing flavored vodka, use a pint of almost any fruit. For spicy rum, add spices such as peppercorns or cloves. Citrus zest or vanilla beans can also be used.
Quick Tip:
Get an idea of what an infusion will taste like by making a mini-infusion. Steep a small amount of fruit or spices with an ounce or two of liquor for about half an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the infusion Cut whole fruit into pieces and remove large seeds or pits. Cut vanilla beans lengthwise. Place the fruit or spices in a pitcher or jar.
Step 3: Add the liquor Pour the liquor over the fruit or spices. Then stir, cover, and place the pitcher or jar in a dark area at room temperature.
Step 4: Let the mixture steep Let the mixture steep for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the delicacy of the flavors you’re working with and the desired strength for the infusion.
Step 5: Remove solids Remove the fruit or spices from the liquor by pouring the contents through the fine sieve. Most fruit can be kept for up to three days and used as a garnish, but discard the spices
Quick Tip:
If you’d like to sweeten your infusion, add simple syrup. Be sure to keep sweetened liquor in the refrigerator or freezer.
Step 6: Enjoy your infusion Enjoy your infusion. Whether served straight up or mixed into a cocktail, homemade flavored liquor is an exciting addition to your bar. Bottoms up!
Did You Know:
An Australian hospital saved a man’s life by administering a vodka drip after he swallowed antifreeze.
