Tag Archives: vodka

DIY Vodka Infusions, Part 2 – Basil

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Julie • 5 Comments

Basil vodka was my very first at-home liquor infusion (although I posted about my second first). You’ll know everything you need to about the results by the simple fact that I haven’t stopped since. I infuse everything now – vodka, oil, vinegar, shampoo…it’s become a bit of an obsession, all because this first infusion turned out so stinking good. This one will always be my favorite, because it’s so different. You can get vodka in almost any flavor these days, from marshmallow to pomegranate, but most of the off-the-shelf flavors lean toward the guaranteed-to-be-popular sweet or fruity types. The musky, earthy scent and flavor of basil isn’t for everyone, but for me it was a welcome change (especially after trying a cloyingly sweet whipped cream flavor a week earlier…ick!).

I made the first batch of this over the holidays, while in a DIY gifting frenzy. Tragically, I gave every last bit away, but after recalling how much I’d enjoyed my taste tests (a completely necessary and non-optional step in vodka infusing, of course), I mixed up another batch to welcome spring and the beginning of basil season. I still plan to give most of it away, but have set aside a small bottle to keep this time – lesson learned!

Basil vodka mixes beautifully with citrus or berry flavors – I’ll post a recipe later this week for the cocktail I enjoyed while on a baking bender this past rainy Saturday – but it’s also pretty much custom-made for a Bloody Mary. Whatever you do with it, be sure to give some away, because a) it’s dangerous to keep too much lying around, and b) it’s fun to let your friends think you’re some sort of mad scientist.

… [click for recipe and more]

Filed Under: Drinks, Kitchen Gifts

DIY Vodka Infusions, Part 1: Vanilla-Tangerine

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Julie • 0 Comments

I will not pretend to be a scientist.

If I did, I’d be exposed as a fraud almost immediately. I’m terrible at math. I don’t take notes. And (possibly most importantly) I tend to forget about things in my refrigerator for weeks at a time. Although one could argue that those forgotten fridge orphans are themselves science experiments (they sure look like it), this is still not an ideal thing to habitually do when you’re trying to slowly concoct the perfect flavor blend of infusion ingredients and booze.

All that said, I was not super confident about attempting my own vodka infusions. And frankly, from a cost-benefit perspective, there’s no real advantage to be had. Flavored vodkas are a dime a dozen these days, and they’re not expensive – from the bottom shelf to the upper mids, you can find any flavor from pomegranate to cake (???). Even the snooty Ketel One has given a nod to the common drinker and put forth a citrus offering. But there’s something just a little creepy, almost Wonka-esque, about a perfectly clear liquid tasting like pomegranates or cake without color, or an ingredient list, or any other idea how it got that way. So, cost analysis be damned, I set out to attempt to flavor my own vodkas with things you can’t find at the ABC store. I learned a lot from my first few experiments, and you can look for a post soon with overall guidelines for DIY infusions. This particular one (my second at-home infusion) was so good that I couldn’t wait to share. With the few required ingredients, a glass jar, and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a uniquely flavored liquor that makes a great gift, or is perfect for entertaining.

… [click for recipe and more]

Filed Under: Drinks, Kitchen Gifts