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
Love infused vodka. Can't wait to here how your second round turns out.
Posted by: Jewel at Eat.Drink.Shop.Love | December 23, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Oh what a great idea! I bet the pear & ginger are yummy. I'd pair them together, not as vodka's but the ginger vodka with a fresh pear. haha just brain storming.
I hope you & the family have a great Christmas!
XOXO
Nikki
www.TheCraftySideOfSarcasm.com
Posted by: Nikki | December 23, 2012 at 05:27 PM
I should try this soon. Happy holidays girls!
Ceci
http://bittersweetsymphonyblog.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Cecilia Arregui | December 23, 2012 at 05:33 PM
Yum! I've made my own raspberry infused vodka before and it turned out really good.
Posted by: Melanie @ TheSelfStyler | December 23, 2012 at 05:38 PM
love all the flavors! i did an "apple pie" infused whiskey to give out..been a mad scientist in the kitchen all day making gifts haha
Posted by: Krystle | December 23, 2012 at 05:42 PM
I'm glad most of them turned out well! I'm excited to see how the next ones turn out!
http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Chianne Hood | December 23, 2012 at 05:59 PM
Yum!! So glad to hear they turned out great. I think I'd like to try the raspberry first...that sounds yummy! I'd also love to try cherry infused vodka. Thanks for the infusion tips!
Posted by: Carrie Rosalind | December 23, 2012 at 06:15 PM
Yum, those look great! I want to try the raspberry for sure.
I made some ginger liqueur, coffee liqueur, and mint liqueur earlier this year, and I just wanted to say that with those, at least, the flavors totally mellowed and changed after I let them sit for awhile (weeks for the mint, months for the coffee) At first the mint tasted like mouthwash, but it got much better. So if you don't like one of your experiments at first, I'd urge you to let it sit for a couple of weeks or months and see if you like it any better. Then if you still don't like it, you can throw it out :-)
Posted by: Rachel | December 23, 2012 at 06:20 PM
Yummy! :)
Posted by: Patricia Pedro | December 23, 2012 at 06:32 PM
I bet your creations taste amazing! I've never infused vodka or any liquor before so this might be a lot of fun! The results looks so pretty, too.
Posted by: Julia | December 23, 2012 at 06:44 PM
This sounds delicious, will hope to try during holiday break!
http://www.inspirareland.tumblr.com
Posted by: Inspirareland | December 23, 2012 at 07:00 PM
my husband & i went to a tequila bar last night that specializes in infused tequilas, and it was seriously a life changer! i had a "margarita" made with 3 different tequilas - vanilla bean, blackberry & red pear. aaaamazing! so i'm definitely inspired to give these infusions a whirl too.
Posted by: ale norris | December 23, 2012 at 07:44 PM
wow.. yummy! :)
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: irene wibowo | December 23, 2012 at 08:06 PM
Thanks for sharing your results!
Kim
http://loopsoflavender.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kim | December 23, 2012 at 08:29 PM
Vanilla beans in gold/ dark rum or tequilla are amazing! My husband and I own a bar and we make these quite often, patrons always love them!
Posted by: Jenny | December 23, 2012 at 08:45 PM
gorgeous.
Posted by: Sarah Kyle | December 23, 2012 at 09:35 PM
Love this! I made coffee infused vodka and limoncello last week!
Recipes going up on my blog next week......they were a blast to make!
Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Posted by: Carly | December 23, 2012 at 09:52 PM
The raspberry vodka sounds like it would make a lovely gift, plus makes a beautiful mojito!
Posted by: Yelle | December 23, 2012 at 09:58 PM
These sound so tasty, love the sound of an apple pie inspired one!
Posted by: Hannah | December 24, 2012 at 01:34 AM
I made orange infused vodka for my best friend and it's yummy. I try vanilla extract, too. 3 vanilla beans to 250 ml of vodka and I have last minute christmas gift for my mum. :)
Posted by: Lucie | December 24, 2012 at 01:45 AM