HOME/MADE: HOW TO INFUSE ALCOHOL (Bay Leaf Gin, Hibiscus Tequila & Strawberry + Pink Peppercorn Vodka)
I've always wanted to infuse my own alcohols, but that was before I realized how stupidly easy it actually is. (I mean, this process almost doesn't require any googling.) All you need is to pick a liquor you love, decide on some interesting ingredient to infuse, and let it sit for about a week. It's as easy to make as it is to drink - the hardest part is picking what to use!
BAY LEAF INFUSED GIN ( Makes about 25 oz)
1 (750ml) bottle of gin, I recommend ST. GEORGE (my favorite gin, ever)
15 fresh bay leaves
In a large glass bottle, pour your bottle of gin over around 15 fresh bay leaves. Cover and let sit for one week in a dry, cool place. Once infused, remove all bay leaves, and use as you would any other gin. Bay leaf gin and tonics are awesome.
STRAWBERRY & PINK PEPPERCORN INFUSED VODKA (Makes about 25 oz)
1 (750ml) bottle of vodka, I recommend TITO'S VODKA
1 pint strawberries, hulled
2 tablespoons pink peppercorns
In a large glass bottle, pour your bottle of vodka over fresh, hulled strawberries and pink peppercorns. Cover and let sit for one week in a dry, cool place. Once infused, strain peppercorns and strawberries (which will be white and weird!), and use as you would any other gin. I love this vodka with soda or tonic.
HIBISCUS-INFUSED TEQUILA (Makes about 25 oz.)
1 (750ml) bottle of tequila, I recommend ESPOLON Tequila Blanco
About 1/2 cup hibiscus leaves
In a large glass bottle, pour the bottle of tequila over dried hibiscus leaves. Cover and let sit for one week in a dry, cool place. Once infused, strain hibiscus leaves, and use as you would any other tequila. Hibiscus margaritas are amazing ;).