The weather is colder, and there is nothing better than sitting by the fire with a cocktail in hand. Since we're been spending more time inside, we decided to "punch up" the drinks that we were making by infusing the alcohol beforehand.
This has been an experiment in the kitchen that is equal parts fun and delicious!
This can easily be done by using a mason jar, or other air tight jar and filtering the alcohol later.
We've been using the Alkemista Infusion Vessel to make life easier. This spirits bottle makes the art of infusion easy and creates spectacular tastes! More on the bottle below, but for now, let's talk about what we have been making.
What have we been making?
- Gin infused with lemon, ginger, mint, and grapefruit. Mix that with soda and you've got a new twist on an old classic (with less sugar!)
- Whiskey infused with cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon warms us from the inside out.
- Vodka infused with strawberries and vanilla bean hits our sweet tooth without the guilt.
- Tequila infused with limes and jalapeños was a surprise fan favourite among our friends.
Here are the steps you need to start this process:
Step 1: Pick the alcohol you want to infuse and the flavours.
Think about the cocktails and flavours you typically like most and start there. There is not "right" or "wrong" answer here, just do whatever you think is delicious. For ideas, see what we have been making above.
Step 2: Time to Infuse!
Put all your chosen ingredients into the alcohol using an air tight jar. If you don't have the
Alkemista Infusion Vessel a mason jar works well, you'll just have to filter your alcohol after.
If you are using fruit, its best to dry the fruit first.You'll find you need a lot more of these to really taste the flavours in the alcohol. When using herbs and spices, a little goes a long way!
Step 3: Check In on your Creation
You'll find that depending on your personal taste and what you are using, it will take a different length of time. Spices generally take less time, where as fruit takes a little longer. Don't worry about anything growing mold- the alcohol will prevent any of that!
Generally you'll want everything to sit for 1 - 2 days, but the best method is to open the jar and smell it. If your alcohol is fragrant, its likely done & ready to enjoy.
Our Top Recipe this Winter- an Old Fashioned!
In the winter, we find nothing hits homes better than an Old Fashioned.
This drink typically takes sugar, but we find when we infuse everything first, you can skip the sugar and it tastes even better.
Here is our favourite Old Fashioned Recipe!
In the Alkemista filter, add:
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 12 whole cloves
- Orange peel
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Add your favourite bourbon, and let set for 24 hours.
This drink is typically made with whiskey, but we really like using bourbon. Of course, if you prefer whiskey, just use what you like!
Pour into a glass with 1 large ice cube.
Garnish with a fresh orange peel and maraschino cheery & Enjoy!
Pro Tip: before you throw in the orange peel, twist it over your drink and rub the rim of your glass with it. This will release the oils in the peel.
Now, lets talk about the tool that makes all this easy- the Alkemista Infusion Bottle!
Alkemista combines a lab-grade borosilicate glass vessel with a removable stainless ultra-fine steel filter. Which allows spirits to maintain the perfect level of infusion and keeps unwanted particles from entering the liquid.
The 4 part bottle easily comes apart, and makes infusion and cleaning a breeze!
check it out here: Alkemista Infusion Vessel