Make your own infused vodka

Lately I feel like I have to force myself to slow down and enjoy the summer. Trust me, I’m getting in a lot of enjoyment, but my weeknights have been filling up quickly with a few random obligations that tend to keep me on my computer or running around from one place to the next.

So, I dedicated a night to create some personalized booze and craft a fancy summer cocktail. The idea came from wanting a drink and also needing to come up with a column project. BOOM. DIY cocktail hour was born. I realize that infusing vodkas and other liquors is nothing new, but there are so many possibilities to satisfy your palate. Try using citrus fruits, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, nuts, or whatever is in your heart.

I decided to use a combination of fresh basil and chocolate mint growing on my windowsill. I also wanted to add a kick of flavor, so I made a ginger simple syrup. Ginger has become a recent obsession of mine over the past year or so and I love a refreshing ginger cocktail (i.e. Dark ‘n Stormy, Moscow Mule). You can store your simple syrup for about a week, which gives you plenty of time to experiment with different recipes.

You can have so much fun creating vodka infusions, so why not make a party out of it. Have your friends bring over some of their favorite herbs, fruits and veggies, buy a few bottles of vodka, and grab a case of mason jars. You should let the infusions sit for at least a few days, which should keep you from experimenting with each other’s flavors; that would turn into a bad (or super fun) party. Bringing a couple mason jars of personalized vodka infusions would also make a great host gift. Leave a comment below if you try this specific infusion and cocktail or share your own favorite summer cocktails and infusions. Cheers!

Mint-Basil Vodka

Ingredients:

Vodka

Basil and chocolate mint

How To:

Basically, you combine your two parts and you’re done. I read a few different recipes and articles that recommend adding the herbs whole with the stem and all. Rinse your herbs and be sure to pat them dry so the moisture doesn’t dilute the vodka. Shove them into an old liquor bottle or Mason Jar–anything with an airtight seal. You can let your herbs infuse anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. After day 2, I could already taste that basil. I found a ginger vodka infusion that I might try next, but I was satisfied with my ginger simple syrup for the time being.

Ginger Simple Syrup

Ingredients

1 c. sugar

1 c. water

3-4 pieces of ginger (peeled and sliced into thin pieces)

How-to

Add sugar and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the sliced ginger and reduce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let the ginger steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid into an airtight container, like a mason jar and keep in fridge. Should last at least 1 week.

The Rubach

1 1/2 oz. basil-mint vodka

1/2 oz. ginger simple syrup

dash of bitters (can’t tell yet if this taste better with or without the bitters)

splash club soda

garnish with an orange peel