The Art of Infusions: 5 Easy Tips

Infusions are a beautiful thing. Take a bottle of (insert name of your preferred liquor here) and add one or several ingredients, and within a couple weeks, you have a delicious creation with an exciting variety of mixing capabilities. The possibilities of infusions are almost endless, from Red Hots vodka to an apple pie rum (the mixologist simply placed a couple slices of apple pie in a jar with a bottle of rum- sounds crazy…but it received rave reviews). The infusion process is surprisingly simple, however I've compiled a few tips to ensure the best infusion experience possible.

1. Find the Right Jar

A glass, airtight jar is essential in obtaining the perfect flavors in your infusion. You can find one online atwww.infusionjars.com, or at retail stores. I recommend a jar with a spigot, that way you can taste-test your infusion without allowing outside air to damage the contents.

2. Think Fresh

Fresh produce is highly recommended when choosing ingredients for your infusion. Look for local and organic produce when available. Always go for the premium options when choosing ingredients- they really do make a difference in the quality of your infusion. When using fruits or vegetables, it typically is best to deseed and de-stem them, then cut it into cubes. Leaving the skin on is typically recommended. For small berries (such as cranberries or blueberries), the whole fruit works fine, however when sliced in half the infusion process will be quicker.

3. Be Patient

Allow your infusion to sit undisturbed during the infusion process (varies by ingredients, anywhere from several days to two weeks). It is recommended to shake the jar every few days, however be sure the container remains sealed during its “infusion” period. Make sure to taste-test every few days, and keep an eye on any perishable items in the infusion.

4. Be Creative

If your jar has a spigot, taste the infusion every couple days. Infusions are not a science, therefore some infusions reach their full flavor potential much more quickly then others. Feel free to add ingredients to highlight certain flavors, or change up the ingredients in the suggested recipe (if you are following one). Be sure to document the altered recipe in case you wish to recreate it in the future!

5. Use your Strainer

Once the infusion has obtained the desired flavor profile, remove the perishable items in your infusion by straining. Non-perishable items (such as spices) can be left in the infusion indefinitely, but keep in mind they will continue to add flavor to your infusion. If you wish, remove all ingredients to ensure the flavor of the infusion is not altered.

Now it's time to enjoy your infusion!