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
Taht looks great. And I wish all Merry Christmas.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
Posted by: Denisa | December 24, 2012 at 02:37 AM
Nice! ;)
love,
Pili.
http://inavintageworld.blogspot.com.es/2012/12/10-diy-gift-ideas-10-diy-ideas-para.html
Posted by: Pili | December 24, 2012 at 03:05 AM
I made pomegranate vodka and some coffee vodka, which has vanilla, coffee beans and pecans in it :) I've not tried them myself as I'm pregnant but made them as Christmas gifts. I've also made some hot chocolate mix and vanilla extract for gifts :)
Green apple and cinnamon sounds like an excellent idea!!
Posted by: Lowri J | December 24, 2012 at 04:11 AM
Gees, how were ye feeling after tasting all of them?!!
Merry Christmas to all at ABM x
Cathy
Turquoise Flamingo
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/
Posted by: Cathy | December 24, 2012 at 04:17 AM
looks delicious !!
check out my new post: http://www.thestilettoholic.com/2012/12/24/my-instaweek/
Posted by: Laura | December 24, 2012 at 04:34 AM
yummmm i have always wanted to try this! i think your right fruit is probably the best way to go!
xoRachel
Posted by: Rachel | December 24, 2012 at 06:49 AM
Green apple sounds incredible! I made a custom infused orange whisky for my boyfriend for Christmas, and it turned out delicious. I'll have to add some of the spring/summer flavors to the list of things to make next year. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Brianne | December 24, 2012 at 07:33 AM
Elsie, awesome idea. I've never seen someone make some incredible girly drinks like you do. :)
Anne
ps. Emma..was nice meetin' ya at my bro's show..lol sorry I was such a goofball fan!
Posted by: Annette Esquibel | December 24, 2012 at 09:03 AM
Boy you must have had a great time making and tasting these concoctions. I'll have give the pom one a try - sounds yummy.
Monica
Posted by: MonicaP | December 24, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Great ideas! Yum!! Happy Holidays! Enjoy.
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Posted by: Kimmy D. | December 24, 2012 at 10:44 AM
My favorite infused vodka is with blackcurrants. Infusion time is at least 2 months. at the end i add some sugar. Enjoy!!!
Posted by: Laura | December 24, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Annette Esquibel- It was nice meeting you too!!!!!!
Posted by: Emma | December 24, 2012 at 12:40 PM
My mom says to try infused brandy... that it turns out better :)
Posted by: Jenn Staz | December 24, 2012 at 04:53 PM
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.
Posted by: Eleanor | December 24, 2012 at 11:40 PM
It's fantanstic to have those flavors, especially infused vodka.
Posted by: Prom Dresses under 200 | December 25, 2012 at 02:37 AM
How about After Eight Chocolates mmm
Posted by: Jacob | December 25, 2012 at 05:57 AM
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!
Posted by: Sarah Elle | December 25, 2012 at 10:04 PM
These vodkas look DIVINE ! Can't wait to give it a try ! The raspberry one sounds delish !!
Posted by: Lynne | December 26, 2012 at 09:04 AM
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.
Posted by: Maria Alejandra | December 26, 2012 at 10:24 AM
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
Posted by: Trish | December 26, 2012 at 02:39 PM