Elevate Your Cocktails Recipes With DIY Infusions
DIY infusions is one of the popular trends among cocktail enthusiasts. With its delightful flavours, it adds an exciting and creative twist to your cocktail creations. It’s also a great opportunity to home bartenders to unleash their imagination, experiment with various combinations and customise their drinks to suit their tastes. If you want to try your hand at DIY infusions too, then this mini guide will surely be helpful to you!
We have carefully curated this guide with tips, tricks, cocktail recipes and everything you need to know about these homemade elixirs.
DIY Infusions: Elevate Your Cocktails Recipes With These Twists
1. Understanding Infusions
Basically, infusion in mixology refers to the process of steeping ingredients such as fruits, herbs, spices, etc., in a base spirit. With this technique, you will be able to infuse your favourite spirits with delightful aromas and flavours. It opens up a world of possibilities, especially if you love to experiment with cocktail recipes.
2. Base Spirit
So before you begin your infusion, you first need to select the perfect base spirit. Vodka, gin, rum and even whisky can be some of the excellent choices. Opt for a base spirit that perfectly pairs with the flavours you want to infuse. Choose a high-quality spirit, that allows the added ingredients to shine through and this way, your DIY-infused spirit will elevate your cocktail recipes too. Remember the better the base, the better the end result.
3. Ingredients
Now comes the exciting part – selecting the ingredients for your infusion. You have endless options to choose from! Here are a few popular choices to get your creative juices flowing:
Fruits: Fresh berries, citrus fruits, and tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
Herbs: Mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, or lavender.
Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, or star anise.
Tea: Earl Grey, chamomile, hibiscus, or green tea.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and create unique flavour profiles. This way, you can craft delicious cocktail recipes that suit your taste preferences.
4. Preparation and Infusion
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: First gather your ingredients and wash and cut them into smaller pieces. This will accentuate their flavours and essential oils.
Step 2: Next, grab a clean bottle or a jar for infusion. Place these ingredients in the chosen container.
Step 3: Pour your base spirit over the ingredients and completely submerge them.
Step 4: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool and dark place. Keep it away from the direct sunlight.
Step 5: Allow the infusion to steep for at least 24 hours. Keep in mind that some infusions may require a few days at least.
5. Unleashing Your Creativity
Now that you have a fair idea of infusing spirits, it's time to unleash your creativity and experiment with different cocktail recipes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
(i) Citrus-Infused Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe:
- Grab a cocktail shaker and add some ice to it
- Pour 60ml of citrus-infused vodka, 22.5ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 15ml of simple syrup into the shaker
- Shake the ingredients vigorously to combine
- Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a twist of lime and serve
(ii) Berry-Infused Rum Mojito Cocktail Recipe:
- Grab a highball glass and add 4-5 mint leaves, 30ml of simple syrup and 22.5ml of lime juice
- Muddle the ingredients gently to release their essence
- Fill the glass with ice
- Gently pour 60ml of Berry-infused rum
- And slowly top the drink with club soda
- Garnish with a slice of lime, a sprig of mint, raspberries, and blackberries
Pro-Tips and Tricks:
- Always use high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients for your DIY infusions.
- Label the jars with the date, ingredients used, etc. This way it will be easier for you to keep track of your infusions.
- To elevate your cocktail recipes, try experimenting with various intensities of infused spirits.
- Don’t hesitate to get adventurous with your infusions. Instead of sticking to traditional ingredients, try unconventional combinations. This will surely add a unique touch to your cocktail recipes.
So, there you have it! We hope this mini guide into DIY infusions and cocktail recipes has sparked your creativity. Remember, the secret to a well-made cocktail lies in finding the perfect balance of flavours. Experiment with ingredients, recipes and garnishes to add a creative touch to your cocktail recipes.
