Over the next 3 weeks I’ll be sharing with you 3 infused vodka recipes, and ending each post with a cocktail recipe that shows the infusion off in all its glory. So sit back, get your notepads ready and enjoy the next week of vodka infusions!!!
n.b. These cocktails may or may not be my own recipes, although mostly they will be tweaks of other cocktails.
Let’s jump straight into the action with this simple, yet rather versatile Vodka Infusion:
The first recipe is for a Cranberry-lime Vodka that really does feel at home in any home bar. With various cocktails using vodka and the 2 infusing ingredients; this infusion will add a depth of flavour to every cocktail you use it in!
Cranberry-Lime vodka
70cl (700ml) Bottle of high quality Vodka
1 lime
100g of cranberries
2 tbsp Sugar
Method:
- Peel the rind off the lime and set aside the lime itself (you only need the peel).
- Poke a hole in each cranberry (a fork works well here).
- Add both the cranberries and lime peel into a large, sealed glass bottle.
- Add in the sugar and the pour in the vodka.
- Seal the bottle and store away from sunlight for up to 7 days.
- After 7 days the colour of the vodka will have changed to a red hue. Leave the fruit in the vodka and enjoy chilled…
This vodka is extremely simple to make. Like most infusions the worst part is simply waiting to try it! The cranberry-lime flavour combination is not a new concept, but it is a great concept. This particular recipe will result in an extra fruity kick in your cocktails, especially a home made cosmopolitan. My preferred cocktail for this vodka however, is a tweak on the classic Vesper Martini:
Cranberry-Lime Vesper
3 measures Beefeater Gin
1 measure Cranberry-Lime Infused Vodka
½ measure Lillet Blanc
Garnish: Lime Twist
Method:
- Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass and add plenty of cubed ice.
- Stir well and chill the alcohol properly – anything up to 2 minutes here is totally acceptable!
- Strain into a well-chilled coupe/classic martini-cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a long thin slice of lemon peel…
This cocktail is based on the famous Bond cocktail: The Vesper. It uses the same ratios as the classic cocktail and makes use of the infused vodka in a cocktail where it won’t over power the other ingredients, but equally stands on its own. This cocktail is the perfect canvas for it to splash its colourful flavour upon. However, I know everyone has different tastes so if this cocktail does not have enough of a fruity kick, then try adding a splash of cranberry juice. This will of course water down the drink so try not to add too much!
Naturally this cocktail will not suit everyone’s taste buds so if you’re one of those who like a more refreshing cocktail then why not try using this infused vodka in any of the following cocktails:
Sea Breeze,
Cosmopolitan,
Spiked Spiced Ciders,
Cape Cod,
Sex on the Beach,
And many more!
The Fervent Shaker 