Infusion

Technique

An infusion is a bottle of spirits steeped with fruit, tea or spices, so it takes on their flavor without any added sugar.

Also called: infused spirit · infused vodka · infused alcohol

Spirit strength for slow infusions: 40 to 100 proof (20 to 50% ABV)
Infusing temperature: 46 to 64°F (8 to 18°C)
Tea in vodka: 1 to 3 days
Lemon or cucumber in vodka: 3 days at least, often 10 to 15 days

What infusion means

A bar may serve a vanilla vodka that a bartender infused in house. At home, the same method works with a bottle of vodka, a clean jar, and fruit, tea or chili. Raspberry and cucumber both work, and each one brings its own character.

It sounds right that the longer an infusion steeps, the better it tastes. Tea and chili turn harsh if they sit too long. Taste as you go, and strain as soon as the flavor is right. Tea is the quickest of the common picks, so it needs the closest watch.

A recipe that calls for a flavored spirit you cannot buy is a good reason to make your own. Once the jar is strained, use the infusion anywhere the recipe calls for vodka. Keep a short note of the steep time, so the next batch tastes the same.

How to infuse vodka

Use a mid-range vodka and a clean jar, then steep the fruit or tea in a cool, dark spot for a few days.

1.Pick a mid-range vodka and a clean glass jar, then add the fruit, tea or chili.
2.Keep the jar cool and dark, at 46 to 64°F (8 to 18°C), while it steeps.
3.Steep tea for 1 to 3 days, and lemon or cucumber for at least 3 days, often 10 to 15.
4.Taste it every day or so, and strain through muslin or a coffee filter as soon as the flavor is right.
5.Label the jar with the date, and keep the finished infusion in the fridge.

Infusion compared

Fat-washA fat-wash steeps melted fat, then freezes the spirit so the fat lifts off. A plain infusion steeps solids and strains them out.
LiqueurA liqueur is a sweetened, flavored spirit. An infusion adds flavor without adding sugar.
Flavored vodkaThe producer adds the flavorings before the bottle reaches the shelf. Infused vodka is steeped at home with real ingredients.

Related terms

Ingredients

Put it to use in your next drink

Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.