We can infuse vodka, gin or bourbon, and create the flavor we like to take our home bar to the next level.

In this first installment of infusions, we will learn how to infuse vodka with any flavor.

Liquor infusions open more doors when it comes to creating cocktails, we will achieve a much wider aromatic and taste palette and will allow us to prepare a diversity of drinks.

We mainly need to plan well and organize our flavors, whether they are fruits, herbs, syrups or spices:

-Cut fruits and vegetables: oranges, strawberries, cucumber, lemon, watermelon….

-Spices: peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves…

-Fresh herbs: rosemary, lavender, thyme, basil…

 

As for the working utensils:

-Pitchers (Mason type)

-Colander

-Natural cotton cloths (like the ones we use for the cheese)

 

Let’s infuse vodka!

Here is an example of how to infuse vodka.

 

1. Take your container, i.e. Mason jar or whatever you have on hand.

2. Combine your ingredients by adding them into the pitcher. Cover the ingredients with the vodka. Once the ingredients are submerged in vodka, tightly seal the jar and store in a cool, dry place.

3. Depending on the flavor combination, the infusion may take as little as noon, but this is a recommended timeline for stronger flavors. For vegetables and fruits, it is better to wait a little longer and check the flavor every day. Smelling is also important. The more you experiment and keep track of your infusion, the more you will learn to master this method. Visually you can also get an idea of how your infusion is going: for example, strawberries lose their color when the infusion is complete. The citrus pulp will start to break down. At most it will take a month for your infusion to get the right flavor.

4. When the infusion is ready, filter the contents of the jar using the cotton cloth or a fine strainer into a new clean container.

5. Bottle. You have filtered your vodka infusion, now use a funnel to add the contents into a clean glass bottle, or another Mason jar. Tightly close your container and store it in a cool, dark and dry place.

 

Some tips to infuse vodka

-It is important to use good quality ingredients, whether they are fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs. Above all they must be fresh. Clean them well.

-Use a good quality vodka, or one that is good enough to drink neat without mixing. Make sure they are smooth, round, and pleasant to the palate, as well as providing a lingering taste in the mouth.

-Using a good container for your brew is important, especially one that has a large enough opening and seals tightly. It should also be large enough to hold the ingredients. For example, a typical Mason jar will hold about 500 ml (16 ounces).

 

In the next editions, we will teach you how to infuse gins, brandy and bourbon.

 

 

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.

 

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