Infusing spirits is easy! Time and the ingredient do all the hard work for you. Infusing is also a great way to use seasonal herbs and berries, and a way to add that special touch to summer cocktails.
Simply pick a base alcohol (such as vodka, gin, or tequila) and add your favorite aromatic, such as fresh strawberries or basil. Experimentation is key! Once satisfied with how your infused booze tastes, strain it, and then use it in your favorite cocktail recipe.
1. Start with a Base Spirit.
- You don’t have to spend a fortune on a base spirit! Vodka and Gin are classic choices, and White Vermouth is another great light slate to work with.
- Add your spirit to a canning jar or closed, food-grade container or pitcher.
2. Add your ingredients.
- Basil or cilantro are two of my favorites with vodka to create a delightful Bloody Mary. Another great spring herb is chervil, which adds a licorice flavor for a really interesting gin gimlet.
- Berry infusions take a little longer, about a week but the results are heavenly. Strawberries work well with reposado tequila to create a fresh margarita! Just chop them up before adding to the jar.
- Jalapeños added to tequila also make great margaritas! Slice crosswise or lengthwise.
- Experiment and try combining flavors! Cilantro and lime, cucumber and melon, chai tea leaves and basil…the possibilities are endless!
3. Shake or stir.
- Give it good stir before closing your container and putting it in a cool, dark place (closets and cabinets work well).
- Once a day, gaze at your creation, give it a good shake and put it back in the cabinet.
4. Strain when finished.
- How will you know when your infusion is ready? Well you must try, try, try your infusions everyday. A very tough job! It’s remarkable the difference in taste between day one and day three. The flavors become stronger and really pop.
- When your infusion is ready, take a coffee filter and be sure to pass the infusion through multiple times, straining out any solids.
5. Use it in cocktails for a new twist.
- Strawberry Tequlia Margarita!
- Basil Bloody Mary!
- Chervil Gin Gimlet!
- Lime Rum Mai Tai!
Looking for more ideas?
Our friends at Edible Rhody Magazine have provided a great basic recipe for infusions.
Sisters Alicia & Erin have a great blog “Boozed and Infused”, which has a ton of recipes and photos detailing the process.