DIY Spirits

Who needs expensive flavored vodkas from the liquor store when you can play with making your own vodka infusions at home?

Born and raised in the western part of the state, I am no stranger to turning up a big ol’ jar full of the sinus-clearing, throat-awakening firewater known as moonshine. No, I don’t really enjoy the flavor, but a swig now and then is a tradition where I come from. It is no secret that regular corn moonshine has its own strong smell and taste, but what about the well-known Apple Pie moonshine or Peachy Paradise moonshine — how do they come to be so much more smooth and flavorful? It’s all about infusion.

If you follow my cocktail recipes, then you know that vodka is my liquor of choice. Much like moonshine, vodka can be infused with all types of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and even candy. Infused vodkas have become very popular over the last few years. One look down the vodka aisle at any local liquor store will confirm that flavored vodkas are in high demand and sell for a pretty penny. Whatever flavor you can think of, it is likely available by a leading maker of quality vodka, but there is no need to buy these expensive vodkas at the store when you can make your own.

With COVID-19 on the rise, I am leery of popping into the liquor store, so I decided to create my own flavored vodka. Infused vodkas are incredibly simple to make.

I created this Citrus-Infused Vodka using oranges, limes and lemons I had delivered from the grocery store. The result is a citric-flavored vodka that when combined with tonic soda water and garnished with fresh mint makes for a deliciously refreshing cocktail. It only takes two to three days to be infused and it will add zest to your spring weekends.

Once you know the process, playing with your own recipes is easy. The only limit to creating your very own exotic flavors is your imagination. I hope you enjoy this one.

Print Recipe

Zesty Citrus-Infused Vodka

This recipe is for 750 ml of vodka. You can adjust or cut the recipe in half to make less, if desired. You can also split this into two jars if you don’t have a jar big enough to accommodate the recipe.

Course

Drink

Cuisine

cocktail

Keyword

lime juice, orange juice, vodka

Servings

Ingredients

• 1 whole orange washed and sliced into ½ inch slices
• 2 whole lemons washed and sliced into ½ inch slices
• 3 whole limes washed and sliced into ½ inch slices
• 1 750 ml bottle of vodka

Course Drink Cuisine cocktail Keyword lime juice, orange juice, vodka Servings Ingredients 1 whole orange washed and sliced into ½ inch slices 2 whole lemons washed and sliced into ½ inch slices 3 whole limes washed and sliced into ½ inch slices 1 750 ml bottle of vodka

Instructions

1. Place the sliced oranges, lemons and limes in a large clean jar and fill with vodka. Seal the jar and place in a cool place away from direct sunlight for two to three days.
2. Give the jar a shake every day and taste to see how the infusion is coming along. Once the infused vodka has attained the desired flavor, strain the fruit from the vodka and re-bottle. Keep refrigerated.
3. Once the infused vodka has attained the desired flavor, strain the fruit from the vodka and re-bottle. Keep refrigerated.
4. Keep refrigerated.