From baking sweets and making decorations, ‘tis the season for doing crafty projects at home. And we have a new item to add to your holiday to-do list: infusions.
Don’t worry; it’s a fairly simple process and doesn’t require double-sided tape or any frosting skills. In fact, drinkers have been flavoring spirits with fresh fruits, herbs and spices for hundreds of years. Not only is this a great way to enjoy a taste of fall all winter long, but the finished product also makes a festive cocktail.
The latest video in our Farm to Drink series hosted by top bartender and Liquor.com contributor Charlotte Voisey walks you through the steps for creating a pear-and-lemongrass vodka infusion, which takes minutes to assemble but needs a few days to cure. On a tighter party schedule? Voisey also demonstrates a high-tech rapid-infusion technique to prepare a bubbly tequila-and-lemon-basil concoction.
She also shares her recipe for a delicious twist on the classic Tom Collins, which works with any infused liquor and is the perfect drink for a holiday gathering. Enjoy!
Lemongrass & Pear Infusion
Contributed by Charlotte Voisey
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 Lemongrass stalks, coarsely chopped
- 4 Pears, coarsely chopped
- 1 (750-ml) bottle Stolichnaya Vodka
PREPARATION:
Add all the ingredients to a large glass jar with a lid and seal. Shake the jar and let stand for 3 to 4 days, tasting after the third day to check for flavor intensity. When the flavor is at your desired intensity, strain and rebottle.
Lemon Basil Fast Infusion
Contributed by Charlotte Voisey
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz Milagro Silver Tequila or vodka
- 1 cup Fresh lemon basil
PREPARATION:
Add both ingredients to an iSi Soda Siphon. Charge with 2 CO2 canisters and shake well. Refrigerate until needed.
Infused Tom Collins
Contributed by Charlotte Voisey
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 oz Infused vodka or tequila
- Juice of half a lime
- .5 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
- Club soda, chilled
- Garnish: Lime wheel and fresh lemon-basil leaf
- Glass: Highball or flute
PREPARATION:
Add the vodka or tequila, lime juice and simple syrup to a highball glass. Fill with ice and top with soda. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh lemon basil leaf.
To serve the drink up, add the vodka or tequila, lime juice and simple syrup to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake quickly and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with soda. (Do not garnish.)
