We all have whiskey we love to drink neat, on the rocks, or with a splash or two of water to open up the aromas and flavors. But even though a well-made whiskey is great on its own, sometimes we just want some extra flavors. And while flavored whiskeys are alright, some of them are overly sweet and borderline generic-tasting. If we really want to get wacky with our whiskey, we infuse it with some other flavors.
How to infuse whiskey
Whether you’re using a bottom-shelf whiskey that you’d like to liven up with some unique flavors or one of the go-to bottles that you simply want to jazz up, infusing whiskey is surprisingly easy. All you need is a bottle or two of whiskey (rye, bourbon, Scotch, or whatever you like), some sealable jars, fruits, herbs, and any other ingredients you prefer.
Step-by-step instructions
To help you out, I decided to join you on your homemade flavored whiskey journey. While you can make your infused whiskey with ingredients like pitted cherries, coffee beans, mint leaves, and other ingredients, I opted for apple pie whiskey.
The first step is to prepare your ingredients. I chose Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon to give it a little extra oomph. Then I purchased Granny Smith apples, cinnamon sticks, and sealable jars.
I cut the apples, added the slices and cinnamon sticks to a jar, and poured in the whiskey. I sealed the tops and labeled them with the date. I didn’t add any sugar or simple syrup as I wanted the whiskey to shine. If you’d prefer something a little more like an apple pie, you can add sweeteners. I also made a second batch using Jim Beam Vanilla Flavored Whiskey as a comparison, and because the idea of infusing a vanilla-flavored whiskey seemed like a no-brainer.
I placed both jars in a cool, dry, dark place (my basement) where they’ll remain for a week or more. If you’re planning to copy my infused whiskey, a good idea is to give it a little shake every day or so to help the flavors combine better. It will be good to go in about a week.
Important tips
The most important tip is to have fun and get wild with it. You can go basic on your first try, but once you’ve gotten the hang of how certain ingredients meld with your favorite whiskey, you can get a little crazier with your flavoring choices. Add different fruits like peaches and pears, nuts like pecans, spices like cloves and star anise, and even orange peels, honey, and more. Always use fresh fruits and herbs.
Also, when you try your infused whiskey, it might not taste as you expect. That’s part of the fun. If you made it without sugar, simple syrup, or some other sweetener, you could always add it after the fact. You can also add more spices, fruits, or other ingredients if it feels like it’s lacking in flavor. All in all, be creative, adventurous, and enjoy your infused whiskey journey. It’s more fun than making jam or homemade pickles, right?
