From New York to L.A., infused vodkas and the creative cocktails made with them are all the rage at trendy bars. And while infused vodkas add a stylish twist to any cocktail, they are surprisingly easy to make. The fresh, vibrant flavors of infused vodka are perfect for summer entertaining. Why not impress guests at your next cocktail party with custom infusions you make yourself?
An infusion is simply a way to add flavor to liquid -- think of a tea bag in hot water. In the case of infused vodka, you can add fruits, vegetables, herbs, chili peppers, even vanilla beans, for a custom combination. Just remember that it will take a few days for the vodka to fully absorb your ingredients flavors, so plan ahead. Start making your infusion three-to-four days before your party. The experts at FRĪS Vodka provide these step-by-step instructions for making your own infused vodka:
* Start with premium vodka, like FRĪS. Because it is the only vodka created using a patented freeze distillation process, which delivers a clean, smooth tasting vodka that is the perfect base for infusions. Start with classic vodka, or try FRĪS’ Lime or Red Apple flavored vodkas for even more depth.
* Use a tall glass (no plastic, please) jar with a tight fitting lid for your infusions.
* Infuse your vodka with the highest quality ingredients you can find. Look for organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. Clean all your ingredients and remove any soft, bruised or brown spots from fruits and vegetables. Try FRĪS Vodka Lime infused with lemon or with pineapple and coconut. Or pair FRĪS Vodka Äpple with an infusion of lemons and ginger – the combinations are limited only by your imagination.
* Add small fruits like berries to the infusion whole. Slice larger fruits like oranges and pineapples. You can add whole sprigs of herbs. Add hot peppers whole for less heat; slice to add more spice. Visit your local farmer’s market for inspiration as well as for the freshest ingredients around.
* Seal the jar, give it a good shake to get the flavors fusing, and put in the refrigerator or store at room temperature out of direct light.
* Taste the infusion daily. When the flavor is exactly what you want, strain the vodka into a clean container and discard the infusion ingredients. Store the infused vodka in the refrigerator for the longest lifespan.
* Use your infused vodka to create your own signature cocktail, or try one of the recipes available at www.vodkainfusions.com.
For an infusion party, offer a variety of infusions that cover the main categories of ingredients: fruits (berries, citrus), herbs (ginger, nutmeg, clove, vanilla) and exotic seasonings (star anise, prickly pear, chili peppers).
Continue the infusion theme as you plan the food and decorations for your party. For example, Thai food is a great complement to a basil/ginger infusion while fruit salads go wonderfully with fruit infusions.
You can even use your infusion ingredients as decorations: place a dozen lemons and limes in the bottom of a glass vase and add water and flowers for an easy decoration with a lot of impact. Or fill a goldfish bowl with fresh cranberries and add floating candles. Individual pots of herbs placed on the buffet table are another easy decorative touch.
SIDEBAR
Here’s a fruity infusion and a unique cocktail recipe to get your party started.
Big Orange Cranberry Lime Infusion
* 1 bottle (750 ml) FRIS Lime Vodka
* 1 orange, left whole and poked with a skewer 30 times
* 1 cup (8 ounces by weight) fresh or frozen cranberries
Rinse orange well. If using fresh cranberries, rinse well. Place fruits in an infusion jar and top with vodka. Let infuse for 4 days.
FRIS OC Pom Cosmo
* 1 1/2 ounces Big Orange Cranberry Lime Infusion
* 1/4 ounce Cointreau
* 1 ounce pomegranate juice
* 1/2 ounce simple syrup
* 3/4 ounce lime juice, fresh
* Garnish: 5 cranberries
Measure liquors and mixers into mixing glass. Fill glass with ice. Cap and shake for 5 seconds. Strain into martini glass and garnish.
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For more infusion and cocktail recipes, visit www.frisvodka.com. - ARA
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