The Versatility of Vodka: Make Your Own Specialty Vodka Infusions

An increasing trend recently is infused vodka. The most popular one is Bacon Vodka, which you can buy in mass production in a handful of states, and you pay a premium price. It's highway robber, I tell you! Why throw out extra cash for something you can do yourself with great ease?? Now, if you're wondering, "What can I use infused vodka for?" Vodka is a fantastic base for all sorts of flavors! That's why the Smirnoff Vodkas do so well out there. Infusing a vodka with the flavors of your favorite cocktails can make the drink incredibly smooth, and you'd never know that vodka was in it. I experimented with this myself with some cranberry vodka I received as a gift, and made some dangerous drinks. So, now that I have your attention... let's make our own vodka concoctions without that outrageous price tag!



Easy Home Made Bacon Vodka:

- 4-5 cooked & crumbled Bacon Strips
- 750ml bottle of Vodka
- Coffee Filter or Cheese Cloth

Take a bottle of your favorite vodka and add the appropriate ratio of crumbled bacon. Let the bottle sit still in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry) for 3 weeks. Don't worry about the bacon going bad, the alcohol preserves it. After 3 weeks, place vodka in the freezer until the bacon fat separates from the alcohol. Remember, vodka won't freeze, so you'll be fine. Once the bacon fat solidifies, strain vodka through a coffee filter or cheese cloth to remove the fat. Pour strained vodka into clean bottle or jar, and it's ready for your favorite vodka cocktails!



Seems simple enough, doesn't it? You patience will be rewarded with vodka infusions, and you won't feel like a sucker either. If you like this idea, here are a few other recipes for vodka infusions. Don't forget, the "Skyy's" the limit with vodka infusions, so get creative and make something awesome!


Home Made Pepper Vodka:

- 2-3 tablespoons of Black Peppercorns, lightly cracked
- 750ml bottle of Vodka
- Mesh strainer or cheese cloth

Similar to the bacon vodka, allow this infusion to sit in a cool, dark place for 1 week. During this 1 week period, shake the bottle every other day to mix up the peppercorns. After the week is over, strain peppercorns out of vodka with a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Your pepper vodka is ready for cocktails!


Home Made Rosemary Vodka:

- 1 big spring of fresh Rosemary
- 750ml bottle of Vodka
- Mesh strainer or cheese cloth

Follow same directions as Pepper Vodka



Home Made Lemon Vodka:

- Rind/peels of 4-5 fresh Lemons (avoid the white bitter part)
- 750ml bottle of Vodka
- Mesh strainer or cheese cloth

Follow same directions as Pepper Vodka



Home Made Vanilla Vodka

- 2-3 whole Vanilla Beans, sliced open lengthwise and seeds intact
- 750ml bottle of Vodka
- Mesh strainer or cheese cloth

Follow same directions as Bacon Vodka






I hope you get the idea with the various recipes including, meat, spices, and oils. Fruits and citrus will take a little less time to infuse due to the acidity. Oily ingredients will take a bit longer because of the fats involved. Have fun turning your happy hour into ecstatic hour :)