Infused spirits for craft cocktails do not have to be bought from the store. They can be made right at home. Try different spirits to cater to any taste or craving. Experiment with ingredients to find a new favorite taste or craft it to exact expectations for the perfect libation. The ease of creating a fancy cocktail yourself makes those pricey in-house infusions a thing of the past.
1. Jalapeno Infused Tequila
Put sliced jalapenos in your preferred alcohol, then leave it at room temperature for 24 hours. Be careful to include the seeds. Once finished, strain the jalapeno bits and start enjoying your craft cocktail. The ease of making these trendy creations is almost absurd. While the jalapeno matched with tequila is to die for, feel free to try others that complement the hot pepper. Pureed watermelon or cucumber help with the heat by making it fiery to the taste but not the throat. Top it with a sprig of mint, and you've created your first craft cocktail.
2. Jolly Rancher Vodka
The combinations for this one are endless, and it just requires a bag of Jolly Ranchers and vodka. Drop the candies into the bottle and wait for them to disappear, leaving only their vibrant color and intense flavor. If the taste lacks anything, butterscotch candies, Skittles and Nerds can be used in the same way. Strain the Skittles and Nerds to remove the candy chunks left behind. Let it chill in the freezer until cold to enjoy the smooth infusion straight or mixed.
3. Bacon Whiskey
Just add three or more strips of bacon to a beloved whiskey or bourbon and let soak. After 12 to 24 hours, strain the bacon out and place the spirit in the freezer overnight. Strain out any stray bits of fat, and it's ready to drink! The wait is worth the result every time. Add jalapeno to give it a little zing or drizzle caramel into the bottle for a unique, luxurious treat.
4. Pickle Vodka
The popularity of the humble gherkin makes it an obvious choice for an infusion for all those pickle-heads in your life. Combine vodka and a pickle and leave at room temperature for a day. Place it in the freezer and in no time at all you'll have icy pickle shots. Try adding garlic and bacon to create the perfect flavor for your favorite Blood Mary recipe. Garnish with cheese and celery to tame the heat.
5. Strawberry and Basil Vodka
Basil's fragrance pairs with fresh sliced strawberries like a dream. Muddle the leaves, then combine everything and leave it to sit over. All that is left is straining out the ingredients and chilling it to perfection. Strawberry Basil Lemonade has a fancy name, but it's a quick cocktail to throw together. Just add lemonade and serve over ice.
The price tag is a thing of the past with these easy recipes. Paying top dollar at a trendy club empties the bank and trying something new can easily end in disaster as well as a high bill. Being adventurous will not be a disappointment if you make the drink to your preferences. Save money, feel fancy and make a drink that sounds complicated to wow your friends – all without the intensive work.