Ive been making and writing about DIY cocktail projects for over six years, and I still learn something new every time I try a new DIY project. The fun thing about infusing spirits or concocting a liqueur is that there arent a lot of rules and complicated techniques. Most of the time it really is just mixing together things that sound like theyd taste good and seeing what happens. However, there are some really common mistakes that can ruin the fun. Here are 5 common blunders to avoid.
Infused vodka made with fresh ingredients–or anything with the potential to spoil–should be refrigerated because it will expire. Infusions made with dried or preserved ingredients, however, do not require refrigeration.
Not Straining Well Enough
If you know youre going to use up your infusion quickly, then a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth should do the trick. If youre planning to store it for more than a week, though, its important to filter out as many stray bits as possible because over time they can create off flavors in your infusion. Try straining twice through cheesecloth, or use a coffee filter after straining out the larger pieces through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. One warning: the coffee-filter method is slow and annoying. Some people use an Aeropress or similar gadget to speed up the process.
Steeping for Too Long
Alcohol is very good at extracting flavors from herbs, vegetables, spices, and fruits. It takes a lot less time than you might think for an ingredient to flavor a spirit. A longer infusion is not necessary going to taste better: Leave cardamom in rye too long and itll blast your mouth out with bitterness. I once forgot about a strawberry vodka I had steeping. After 2 weeks it tasted more like perfume than fruit. Sometimes even three days is too much; some ingredients, like hot peppers or tea, only need an hour or two. (I included estimates for steeping times in this post about how to infuse spirits.)
Its an easy mistake to avoid though: just taste as you go! Only you know how you want it to taste, and the only way to find out is to take a sip here and there.
11 Ways to Flavor Vodka
FAQ
How long will infused vodka last?
How do you preserve infused vodka?
Does pineapple infused vodka go bad?
How long can fruit stay in infused vodka?
Does vodka need to be refrigerated?
Keep in mind that some ingredients, like beets, will color the liquid. That’s okay! Vodka made with perishable items, like fresh fruit or herbs, should be stored in the fridge. If you used shelf-stable items like dried spices or dried fruit, the vodka can be stored at room temperature.
How do you store vodka?
Pour the vodka on top of the ingredients and cover it tightly with a lid. Store the container on your countertop or in your pantry. Because the alcohol preserves the fruit, it’s fine to store at room temperature. How long does it take for vodka to infuse? Let the vodka infuse for 3-7 days. Shake the container once or twice per day.
How long does fruit infused vodka last?
Use two cups chopped fruit + two to three cups vodka, and infused for three to five days. Make sure the vodka covers the fruit to prevent it from spoiling during infusion. I had always thought of fruit-infused vodkas as a Big Project requiring specially sourced liquor and months of waiting. In fact, it barely requires a tutorial like this one!
Can you use a bottle of vodka on one infusion?
Do not feel like you need to use the entire bottle of vodka on one infusion. Anything left in the bottle can be saved for your next infusion. Place all of the ingredients you have chosen and prepped in the bottom of your mason jar or other air-tight container. Pour the vodka on top of the ingredients and cover it tightly with a lid.