Last week we tried our first batch of infused vodka. We tried a bunch of flavors and had no big hopes or expectations… it was definitely an experiment! Here are the results-
Our favorite flavors were pomegranate, green apple, raspberry, ginger and pear. We also love the jalapeno but it is INCREDIBLY spicy, so I want to try a batch that only sits for 24 hours.
We thought most of the flavors turned out ok. The only one that was super gross (in my opinion) was our basil batch. It went straight down the drain. I love a cocktail with fresh basil, though!
After our first round I feel like I know more about how to customize our next batch to our taste. I will let some infuse for longer and strain some sooner. I am also looking forward to trying other varieties of liquor like rum and tequila. In our next batch we will play more with flavor combinations, like adding cinnamon sticks to an apple batch to make an "apple pie" inspired flavor. All in all, the was such a fun experience. I enjoyed trying something completely new.
If you're interested in making a batch for gifts I would recommend one of the berry flavors. Raspberry and Pomegranate were both delicious and really pretty too. They can infuse for 72+ hours before straining. Be sure to use a fine mesh strainer for that step.
One of the first mixed drinks I tried was a raspberry mojito. I used the classic recipe but replaced half the rum with our infused raspberry vodka and added fresh raspberries. It was pretty yummy.
I'm excited to try more combinations with the vodkas we made. The jalapeno might be making an appearance in a Bloody Mary soon. Can you tell we had a lot of fun with this? Have a great weekend! Elsie
I’m gonna try those. I did vanilla pear vodka, cinnamon apple vodka and whiskey, and cranberry clove vodka and whiskey
Note on the “apple pie” comment. If you use grain alcohol like Everclear and infuse with apple cider, apple juice and a cinnamon stick it makes an apple pie drink that EVERYONE will be talking about. It was the bridesmaid’s present at my brothers wedding. So so good.
The pomegranate vodka sounds so nice. I’ve gone and bought myself some jars just so I can do this next week.
Thanks for sharing the results, I’m so glad they worked out.
x
I was so inspired by your first post I made some infused liquors for my Christmas gifts! I did vanilla pear vodka, cinnamon apple vodka and whiskey, and cranberry clove vodka and whiskey! I also made a coffee and clove vodka–I let it infuse for three days and strained it. It is my favorite one! Thanks for posting this. 🙂
For my NYE party I made a bunch of these that infused for a bit more than a day.
Strawberry/vodka
Strawberry/spumonte (my fave)
olives/vodka
olives/gin
olives/gin/rose’s lime
maraschino cherries/whiskey
maraschino cherries/brandy
gummi bears/vodka/cran ras juice (was most popular)
gummi worms/brandy/maraschino cherry juice
cherry tomato/vodka (didn’t work out quite right even though I poked holes in the tomatoes)
This looks like such a funny thing to do and I think it`s even more fun to try all the flavours after!
Definitely need to try it!
xoxo
If you have trouble with the basil infused vodka, but you like the basil flavor in your drinks, you should try making a basil infused simple syrup and use it in the cocktails. I used this recipe without the lemon and it was fantastic! Makes an excellent gimlet!
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Basil-Lemon-Syrup-238927
Looks great. I tried a fresh mint one once and it was rubbish too. Perhaps it’s just fresh herbs that don’t really work out?
I should try this!
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
For some reason I thought these would turn out to be extracts for baking… lol. Aaaaanyway… glad to know they turned out good. 😉
I made a handful of batches of these a few years ago for Christmas. I LOVED a spicy pickle one with cucumbers, dill, garlic, and jalapeno. Made one of the best bloody marys. We made a coffee one that was just raunchy! Since then, it’s been such a blast infusing alcohol. The brown stuff is a bit trickier and takes quite a bit longer, but definitely worth it.
Can’t wait to hear what you make!
Trish
www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com
this was a great idea! this christmas I tried it with pisco (a traditional peruvian liquor), since I have it available here, and also with local fruits like mango and aguaymanto (a sort of berry). Everyone loved it.
These vodkas look DIVINE ! Can’t wait to give it a try ! The raspberry one sounds delish !!
My favorite infusion is grapefruit and basil!
It’s delicious. I Infuse 1 bottle of vodka [i use ketel one], 2 large sliced grapefruits, and about 1/2 cup of basil. The trick is to only infuse for about 5 hours, and make sure you squeeze all of the juice out of the grapefruits after you strain it.
Mix with a little bit of fresh grapefruit juice… add a sugar-rimmed martini glass and a fresh basil leaf and you’re good to go!
How about After Eight Chocolates mmm
It’s fantanstic to have those flavors, especially infused vodka.
We make a drink of caramel vodka ( or everclear) infused with cinnamon and mixed with apple juice. Tastes like a liquid apple pie straight out of willy wonka! So I highly suggest the cinnamon infused vodka.
My mom says to try infused brandy… that it turns out better 🙂
Annette Esquibel- It was nice meeting you too!!!!!!
My favorite infused vodka is with blackcurrants. Infusion time is at least 2 months. at the end i add some sugar. Enjoy!!!