DIY Infused Liquors make for a fantastic holiday gift for a host/hostess, friend, family member or really any other adult in your life. In this post, we'll teach you how to make a few different infused liquors. We're also sharing some of our favorite flavor infusions for vodka, tequila, rum & more.
Over the last few years, we've gotten really into mixology and craft cocktails. We love experimenting with different liquors, simple syrups, fruits, bitters, etc.
If you know our family IRL, we pretty much always have company. My parents have hosted countless full-blown, 60+ person parties, smaller dinner parties, holidays, and hundreds of weekend get-togethers. After hosting so many events, we've gotten pretty good at throwing together cocktails with whatever we have on hand.
In more recent years, we've gotten extra ~fancy~ and started experimenting with infusing various liquors and simple syrups. For my wedding last year, we made huge batches of homemade infused vodka and tequila for my signature cocktails. They were a huge hit - some of my friends were even taking straight-up shots of the jalapeño infused tequila! (Yes, it was a very fun wedding.)
In addition to majorly improving just about any cocktail, homemade infused liquors also make for a great DIY holiday gift. Any host/hostess, family member, friend or coworker will surely appreciate the originality and effort!
The flavor combinations are really endless, but we do have a few favorites we're sharing in this post. They include Strawberry Vanilla Bean Vodka, Pineapple Infused Rum, Cinnamon Cranberry Orange Whiskey, Jalapeño Infused Tequila and Ginger Lemon Cardamom Gin.
The whiskey is a particular favorite for Christmas - it's so festive! We also recently made this apple pear infused vodka. It's perfect for fall cocktails!
How to Infuse Liquor
Infused liquor may sound complicated, but it really couldn't be easier. In fact, it only requires about 20 minutes of hands-on time, including the gift wrapping!
Step 1: Choose your Liquor and Flavorings
The first and most obvious step is to choose your infusion. Most common liquors, like vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey and gin, are all great choices. More complex liquors, like mezcal, aren't as easy to work with.
Vodka is my favorite option - it's essentially a blank canvas that can take on any flavor combination. If you're not a fan of vodka, tequila and rum are easy to start with, too.
When it comes to choosing flavors to infuse, think about your favorite cocktails involving that liquor. Rum, for example, is often used with tropical flavors like pineapple, mango, guava, etc. Whiskey, on the other hand, often calls for warmer flavors like cinnamon, anise, orange and vanilla.
You can infuse liquor with just about anything - fresh fruit, herbs, spices, dried fruit, and anything else your heart desires. It's best to stick with just a few complementary flavors - don't overdo it with too many ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients we used in these infusions:
- Vodka + Fresh strawberries + Vanilla Bean
- Tequila + Jalapeño + Lime
- Gin + Fresh Ginger + Lemon + Cardamom
- Rum + Fresh Pineapple
- Whiskey + Cranberries + Orange + Cinnamon
Lemon Ginger Cardamom Gin Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Whiskey Jalapeño Lime Tequila Strawberry Vanilla Bean Vodka Pineapple Rum
It doesn't have to be complicated. The pineapple infused rum (just 1 ingredient!) is actually my favorite - it's SO good in tropical cocktails!
Step 2: Start your infusion
All you need to get started is a bottle of liquor, your flavorings of choice, and a clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Since most bottles of alcohol have small spouts, you'll have to infuse in a separate jar.
We find that quart-sized mason jars work really well. They have an easy-to-seal lid, and they're cheap and easy to find online or in stores.
If you're using fresh fruits, wash and dry them before adding to the jars. The amount depends on the infusion. If you're infusing liquor with fruit, you can add a lot, but go easy on the spices and herbs, which tend to impart stronger flavor. Of course, if that's what you're going for - that's perfectly fine! But too much ginger or cinnamon can be pretty overwhelming.
Unless you're totally confident about how much to add, I'd suggest consulting a recipe first. A quick google search should answer most of your questions!
Add the ingredients to the jar, then fill the jar with your liquor of choice. Seal the jar with an airtight lid and store in a dark, cool place until it's ready to strain.
How long should I infuse liquor?
Again, this really depends on the ingredients/type of liquor.
For something like strawberry infused vodka, you can leave it to infuse for up to a week. In fact, the longer you infuse it, the better it will taste! Last year when we made it for the wedding, we ended up leaving it for about a week and it smelled more like syrup than vodka. So good!
For something like jalapeño infused tequila, however, less than 24 hours will do the trick. In fact, if you're heat-sensitive, 10-12 hours is plenty. We use this same rule of thumb for infusions made with lots of herbs or spices.
If you're not sure, open the jar after 24-48 hours and give it a smell. If it's very fragrant from the infusion, it's probably good to go. If not, let it infuse for another day or two and check again. As a general rule of thumb, 3-5 days is the perfect amount for most infusions.
And don't worry - even if you're using fresh fruit, you don't have to worry about anything going bad. The alcohol prevents any mold from growing on the fruit, so even after you strain it, you can keep it for years.
Step 3: Strain and store your infused liquor
To strain your infusion, pour the liquor through a fine mesh sieve into a wide-mouth jar, measuring cup or glass bowl. If the infusion contains fruit with seeds/pulp (like strawberries), line the sieve with a cheesecloth to remove as much sediment as possible.
Discard the fruit/infusion ingredients. Clean the glass jar you used for the infusion and return the infused liquor to the jar. Seal and store in a dark, cool place. It will last indefinitely, but we're willing to bet you'll get through it pretty quickly!
How to use infused liquors
There are really no rules when it comes to using your DIY infusions. Add them to any cocktail for more flavor. You may even find you can use less sugar than usual, especially if it's a fruit-infused liquor.
Here are a few quick ideas using our infusions:
- Use jalapeño-infused tequila in these Frozen Watermelon Margaritas or these Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas
- Use strawberry vanilla bean infused vodka in a Moscow Mule or Strawberry Peach Sangria
- Use cranberry orange cinnamon whiskey in this Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail or this Hot Apple Cider Cocktail
- Use pineapple-infused rum in this Pineapple Coconut Rum Punch or this Long Island Iced Tea
- Spike homemade lemonade with lemon ginger infused gin
The possibilities are endless - we'd love to hear how you're using your infusions in the comments below!
Gift wrapping ideas
If you're gifting these DIY infusions, pick up a few cute glass jars, ribbons and gift tags for wrapping.
You don't have to gift an entire huge bottle. If you're packaging smaller gifts for hosts/hostesses, coworkers or other acquaintances, use a smaller jelly jar.
Tie festive ribbon or burlap around the jar and attach a gift tag. Be sure to write the ingredients on the gift tag, and even a few different ideas on how to use it. If you want to get extra fancy, you can even write out a full recipe - it's up to you!
That's it - your infusion is ready to go. The perfect gift!
For a larger gift, pair a bottle or two of your infused liquor with more cocktail-oriented gifts. Pair with your a few cocktail glasses, a cocktail shaker/other bar equipment, mixology cookbooks, unique ice cube trays or ingredients like bitters and shrubs.
Questions? Anything we missed? Leave your response below! We'd really love to hear about your favorite infusions. We also love to see your creations on Instagram – tag us at @crowded_kitchen so we can see what you’ve been making.
Print📖 Recipe
How to make Infused Liquors (5 Ways)
- Total Time: 72 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart
Description
DIY Infused Liquors make for a fantastic holiday gift for a host/hostess, friend, family member or really any other adult in your life.
Ingredients
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Infused Vodka:
- 2 cups strawberries, washed and sliced
- 2 vanilla bean pods, split lengthwise
- 1 qt. vodka
Pineapple Rum:
- 1 small pineapple, cored and sliced into spears
- 1 qt. white rum
Jalapeño Lime Tequila:
- 2 small jalapeños, sliced into rounds
- 2 limes, sliced
- 1 qt. blanco (silver) tequila
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Whiskey:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced into wedges (keep peel on)
- 1 qt. whiskey
Lemon Ginger Cardamom Gin:
- 2 inch piece peeled ginger, sliced into rounds
- 3 lemons, sliced into rounds
- Optional: 3-4 cardamom pods
- 1 qt. gin
Instructions
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Infused Vodka:
- Wash and slice strawberries. Add to clean glass jar with vanilla beans, top with vodka and seal with airtight lid.
- Store in cool, dark place for at least 3 days, but up to a week. Strain into a measuring cup or glass bowl through a fine mesh sieve and discard strawberries and vanilla bean. You may need to strain a few times or use a cheesecloth to remove all sediment. Seal in clean jar and store in pantry.
Pineapple Rum:
- Core and slice pineapple. Add to clean glass jar, top with rum and seal with airtight lid.
- Store in cool, dark place for at least 3 days, but up to a week. Strain into a measuring cup or glass bowl through a fine mesh sieve and discard pineapple. You may need to strain a few times or use a cheesecloth to remove all sediment. Seal in clean jar and store in pantry.
Jalapeño Lime Tequila:
- Slice jalapeños and limes. Add to clean glass jar, top with tequila and seal with airtight lid.
- Store in cool, dark place for at least 12 hours, but up to 48 hours. Strain into a measuring cup or glass bowl through a fine mesh sieve and discard jalapeños and limes. You may need to strain a few times or use a cheesecloth to remove all sediment. Seal in clean jar and store in pantry.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Whiskey:
- Add cranberries, orange and cinnamon sticks to clean glass jar, top with whiskey and seal with airtight lid.
- Store in cool, dark place for at least 3 days, but up to a week. Strain into a measuring cup or glass bowl through a fine mesh sieve and discard cranberries, oranges and cinnamon. You may need to strain a few times or use a cheesecloth to remove all sediment. Seal in clean jar and store in pantry.
Lemon Ginger Cardamom Gin:
- Add lemon, ginger and cardamom pods to clean glass jar, top with gin and seal with airtight lid.
- Store in cool, dark place for at least 3 days, but up to a week. Strain into a measuring cup or glass bowl through a fine mesh sieve and discard lemon, cardamom and ginger. You may need to strain a few times or use a cheesecloth to remove all sediment. Seal in clean jar and store in pantry.
Notes
Read full blog post for answers to FAQs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 days
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Infusion
Robyn says
Love these recipe ideas. Using for c-mas gifts. I want the jars to look like yours with the fruit. When I gift them will they have to strain it? or should I infuse and add a slice of fruit for presentation prior to gifting?
Lexi says
Hi! Such a great gift idea. Either option would be totally fine, but if you leave the fruit in I would just write a little tag on the bottle explaining that they will have to strain in xx amount of days.
Annette says
My friend used some sour cherries to infuse some vodka. The result was that the vodka tastes terrible and you really can't taste the Cherry. I do not know how long they left it to infuse my question is can you back sweeten vodka?
Lexi says
You can probably add in some simple syrup to add sweetness. I would just refrigerate instead of storing at room temperature.
Carol says
I have been infusing dried fruit & orange rind in wine for a few years & doing same with spirits. So far seems ok. Now I am told it should have sugar syrup to preserve. Confused.
Lexi says
Hi Carol, where did you find the information on needing sugar syrup? From our experience, that shouldn't be necessary.
Nick says
Hi! Thanks for the info. Have you come up with anything to do with the leftover fruit? Seems an awful waste to just throw 2 cups of strawberries away.
Lexi says
Hi! Unfortunately not that I can think of. The fruit soaks up a TON of alcohol, so it's not very edible (And it's very strong!).
Devan Burton says
You could be creative and make an infused strawberry and cream sounds yummy just thinking about it.
MP says
Freeze the fruit and use as ice in the drink. I do it all the time. Super yummy.
Watermelon soaked in tequila and frozen is a fav summer treat.
Victorine says
Ooh I made Lemoncello by using 69% Neutral Grain alcohol, then adding five cups of simple sugar syrup, making it I’d say 30% Vol approx. Now I have some frozen berries in the freezer and I’m wondering if I could use these for the same process. My thoughts are frozen fruits ok to use?
Lexi says
That should be fine!
Mona says
Have pure pasturized cherry juice from a British Columbia. Can I make a liqueur from that
Emma says
Hello, I wondered if the quality of the spirit (vodka, rum etc) that you use initially is important? Looking forward to trying your recipes!
Justin says
I would love a recipe for I can make a liquor. I have sugar and fruit like apple and oranges, honey, powdered sugar,corn, tomatoes grape and strawberry jam, raisins, just some simple quick recipes and techniques that would help me be more successful. Thank you so much
Sam says
Can you over infuse vodka? If i were to put dried fruits in vodka and leave it a few months? could it over infuse and have a bad effect on the taste?
Lexi says
Hi Sam, it probably depends on the fruit. As a general rule of thumb, I'd say 1-2 months is plenty of time for an infusion and there's no need to go beyond that.
Anthony Onyokoko says
Yeah. I think 6 weeks is okay.
Jan says
Very nice article. Any suggestions for infusing rice wine?
Cassandra says
Great informative article! When you seal to store, do you need to boil like when canning veggies? Thanks! 🙂
Lexi says
Nope! As long as the jars are sanitized in hot water, you won't have to go through the canning process. Let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂
Beck says
How much liquor (vodka, rum, Everclear etc) and proofs you do you need for using liquor in fruit juices. Then putting in a 4-8oz jar to be used as gifts or individual drinks. How long are they shelf-stable.
Patti says
For the pineapple infused vodka, do I store in the fridge while it’s infusing or on the counter (cool and dark place)?
Lexi says
As long as the pineapple is completely submerged in the alcohol, it's perfectly fine to infuse at room temperature. Be sure to sanitize your jars ahead of time as well to prevent any mold growth.
Duane says
I gave a 5 rating without even tasting yet. I have a jalapeno lime tequila infusion going right now. Looking forward to trying all recipes.
Zaina says
Hello!
I want to make an infusion with Bacardi white rum and guava. How long soak the guava in the rum? I was told 6 months but your recipes say 3-5 days. What happens if I leave it there from March until Christmas? Thanks for your response. Your recipes are great!
Lexi says
Hi! After a certain point, I don't think the guava will continue infusing more flavor. You can certainly infuse it for up to a few weeks, but I don't think it's necessary to infuse for more than a month! I would also be concerned that the longer it infuses, the greater the chance of mold growth in the jar if it's not perfectly sanitized. Hope that answers your question! Enjoy!
Craig says
Greetings, great recipe ideas! I want to make a half gal. of the vodka/straw/vanilla recipe in a glass dispenser with pouring spout. With vanilla beans being so expensive is it possible to use vanilla extract or other? Do you leave the bean pod in also or just scrape out the beans? Also, can I use simple syrup to increase sweetness in case my strawberries aren't sweet enough? Thank you!
Lexi says
Hi! Yes, you could definitely use extract. The ratio is about 3 tsp vanilla extract to 1 vanilla bean pod. If you were to use the pods, you can cut in half, scrape out the beans and also leave the pod in to get as much flavor as possible. You can definitely add simple syrup, but I would wait until you try it with just the strawberries first! Hope you enjoy!
Lisa says
I want to make an infusion of vodka with blueberries, lemons and açaí. I think I would have to either use powder of frozen purée. Any advice?
Lexi says
Hi there, I would use purée. You will likely need to strain the mixture a few times to make sure it doesn't leave any pulp. I would probably also store in the refrigerator.
Nikki says
Hello,
I'm trying to pre-plan and come up with gift ideas for Mother's Day. I know it's early but it will be here before we know it. Do you have any suggestions and also can you infuse cognacs like Hennessy or Courvoisier?
Lexi says
Hi! In terms of flavor combinations that make great gifts, I know my mom LOVES the strawberry vanilla bean infused vodka. As for cognac, it pairs well with sweet stone fruits like cherries or peaches. It would probably also be great with vanilla. Let me know if you have any other questions!