Infusing spirits is the process of adding the the flavors of herbs, fruits and/or vegetables to liquor to create a unique flavor combination. The process is pretty simple but takes some preparation and some patience. The combinations of flavors are only limited by your imagination!
What you will need:
- Liquor of choice
- Infusing flavor: fruit, herb, spice, vegetable etc
- Jar(s) with lid, air-tight
- Refrigerator
- Filter (optional)
Step 1: Cleaning
As with all alcohol brewing, cleanliness is crucial. The presence of unwanted bacteria can greatly affect your end result.
- Thoroughly clean your jars with hot water. Make sure to remove any paper or degradable material from the lid or inside the jar.
- Next thoroughly clean all of your infusing ingredients
- Remove any pits, seeds or stems
- Cut up your ingredients into sizable chunks, whether you leave the skins on is up to you.
Step 2: Infusion
- Place your ingredients in a jar and close the lid tightly
- Shake jar and place in a cool-dark place (refrigerator)
- Let sit for 3-5 to days or 1-2 weeks depending on ingredients
- Strong flavors may take 3-5 days
- Mild flavors about a week
- Weak flavors 1-2 weeks
- Shake jar a few times a day, everyday
Step 3: Extract Infused Spirit
- Strain the ingredients of your jar into another container to separate your liquor from your flavoring ingredient
- Label and name your creation
- Enjoy!
Some Infusing Ideas
- Bourbon with Cinnamon and Apples
- Vodka with Skittles
- Vodka with Fruit: Pineapple, Strawberries, Grapes, Oranges, Etc
- Tequila and Limes
- Whiskey with spices
- Etc
Came up with a crazy concoction? Let us know below!
we did this with lemon & Jalapinos .. makes an awesome bloddy mary or mix with sprite..
Triple Pepper — Jalepeno, Serrano, Habenero (1 each) Black Peppercorn (12-15) and Garlic (2-4 small cloves). 3 days can still be drank as a shot! 5 days Holy sh*t please use as a mixer.
Black Cherries and Bourbon make a great combination also.
I’m trying it with Bacon as seen in an episode. Will report back with results. (BTW, I did the jalepeno and lemon thing, too. It was the hit of the party. That last shot was a doozie!)
triple pepper shots followed by icecream helps the weak stomached people but leads to people in the restroom yelling “Come on ice cream!” seems odd. lol
What liquor did you use for the triple pepper? Vodka? Tequila? And I’m guessing vodka with the lemon and jalapenos?
Tomatoe and Basil infused vodka… Amazing bloody mary’s or just shooters.
I don’t know if this is that crazy, but were doing gummy bears.
I have done it with gummy bears leave for at lest 48 hours any soon and they are slimy
i like skittles and vodka. I sorted out a big bag of skittles by color and did them individually. I used cheap vodka and it needed to be filtered a bunch, but when I was done it was delicious.
Also pickles and vodka or cucumbers and vodka are great. I’ve never tried the pickle one because I don’t like pickles, but people say its incredible
I did a cucumber/jalapinos and a strawberry ginger last week awesomeness
How much jalapenos and lemon does one use and how much vodka? Ya’all have peaked my interest.
There is no real set ratio. The stronger the flavor the more impact it will have on the liquor. We think it is best to have a lot.
Did blackberry and rasberry vodka. And pomegranate tequila. Off the hook. Soooooo good
I’ve done bourbon and bacon and it’s incredible. I cooked a pound of maple smoked bacon and collected the bacon fat and all the little pieces left in the pan – combine that with a fifth of your favorite bourbon, seal and let sit in a cool dark space over night. The next day I put it in the fridge waited for the bacon fat to harden then poured it through a strainer.
I did a dark rum with bananas and vanilla beans. It was great, and became a great sipper on ice.
Horseradish root, jalapeno, sun dried tomatoes and celery seeds in vodka = bloodless mary martini