Simple Recipes for Infusing Spirits with Herbs, Fruits, and Spices

February 28, 2025

Simple Recipes for Infusing Spirits with Herbs, Fruits, and Spices

There's something magical about turning a plain spirit into something packed with deep, layered flavours. Infusing spirits is like crafting a signature scent but for your taste buds. Whether you're looking to add warmth with spices, freshness with herbs, or a fruity twist, you don't need fancy equipment or loads of experience—just a little patience and a good bottle to start with.

Why Infuse Your Own Spirits?

Infusing spirits lets you control the flavour, strength, and quality of what you’re drinking. Commercially flavoured alcohols can be loaded with artificial ingredients, but when you do it yourself, you know exactly what’s going in. Whether you enjoy a neat sip by the fire or love showing off at gatherings, home-infusions add a personal touch that’s hard to beat.

What You’ll Need

Before jumping in, gather the basics:

Base Spirit: Vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, or brandy work beautifully. A decent mid-range bottle gives the best balance of quality and affordability.
Flavour Agents: Fresh or dried fruits, whole spices, herbs, or even coffee beans.
An Airtight Jar: Glass jars or bottles with tight seals keep everything fresh while infusing.
A Strainer: A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth removes solids for a smooth finish.

Simple Infusions to Try

Citrus and Spice Vodka

Perfect for cocktails or sipping straight.

Ingredients: 1 bottle of vodka, 1 orange peel, 1 lemon peel, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves.
Method: Add all ingredients to your jar, seal, and store in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days. Shake gently once a day.
Final Step: Strain through a cheesecloth and transfer back into a bottle.

Vanilla and Coffee Rum

A rich, aromatic infusion that pairs beautifully with dessert cocktails.

Ingredients: 1 bottle of rum, 1 vanilla bean (split open), ¼ cup whole coffee beans.
Method: Place everything in your jar and let it sit for 4-6 days, shaking lightly each day.
Final Step: Strain and store.

Herb-Infused Gin

A fresh take on gin perfect for summer cocktails.

Ingredients: 1 bottle of gin, 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 5 fresh basil leaves, 1 strip of grapefruit zest.
Method: Combine everything in a jar and let it infuse for 3-4 days.
Final Step: Strain and pour back into the bottle.

Tips for the Best Infusions

Don’t rush it: The longer it sits, the stronger the flavour—taste as you go.
Use whole ingredients: Whole spices and fresh herbs infuse slowly, giving a deeper, smoother flavour.
Store wisely: Keep your infusions in a cool, dark place and use a tightly sealed glass container.
Experiment: Mix and match ingredients to create something that suits your taste.

Time to Get Crafty

Infusing spirits isn’t just about flavour—it’s about creating something that feels personal and unique. Whether you’re making a small batch for yourself or a custom bottle as a gift, the process is simple, fun, and rewarding. Start with one of these easy recipes, and before long, you’ll have your own signature blend that friends will rave about.

Cheers to great homemade spirits! 🍹