Blogmas Day 3: DIY Liqueur/Infusions

Okay I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of a lush. I love to drink, but for the taste not to get drunk. At parties I love to make drinks for all of my friends and hope they like my alcoholic creations. I recently discovered that I could make my own liqueurs…or infusions rather. The awesome thing about making your own alcoholic infusions is that they can also be given as gifts! So keep reading if you want to see what infusions I created.

Spiced Rum

What you’ll need:

Dark Rum (preferably the premium kind)

Cinnamon Sticks

Vanilla Beans

Cloves (optional)

Orange Peels (optional)

Cheesecloth or Coffee Filter

Jar or Bottle

Most infusions call for these huge batches, but I like to start off small and see if I like it first. I just filled a mason jar about ¾ full of rum and added in 1 stick of cinnamon, 1 vanilla bean sliced down the middle lengthwise, 1 clove broken in half, and however many orange peels you please. Since this is a small batch, you only need to steep for a couple of days making sure to taste and add anything until you get the desired taste. Once you get the taste you want, strain the rum with cheesecloth or a coffee filter twice or until there is no remnants leftover. Store in a mason jar or a small airtight decanter. Drink responsibly.

Spicy Tequila

Ok so I absolutely adore tequila. Most people hate it, but I’m one of the few who don’t.

What you’ll need:

Tequila (premium)
Peppers (Serrano, jalapeno or dried chile peppers)

Cheesecloth or Coffee Filter

Jar or Bottle

All you’re going to do is fill up a jar with tequila however full you want. Then deseed the peppers and slice them lengthwise into four slices. I don’t recommend steeping these too long, maybe a few hours or overnight. The pepper flavor will take very quickly. You don’t really have to strain the tequila but I chose to with cheesecloth or a coffee filter just so there are no remnants leftover. Store in an airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate. Since I used fresh peppers, I’m not really sure how long the infusion will keep. I’m probably going to share mine with my family so it won’t last a week anyway.

I hope everyone enjoyed this DIY! These infusions are both great to give as a gift. If you’re more advanced than I am, try DIY’ing your own Irish cream or Kahlua. I think the next infusion I do will be a spiced bourbon – because why not?! Enjoy and drink responsibly this holiday season!

ChelsiKay