You might have been using whiskey in your favorite cocktail for decades. But if you have never tried to infuse it, you have been missing out on life.
Get creative and infuse your favorite whiskey with some delectable whiskey infusion recipes. Read on.
Top 10 Must-Try Whiskey Infusion Recipes
10. Spice Infused Whiskey
Spice up your whiskey with this vanilla-mulled Spice Infused Whiskey.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups whiskey
- ¼ cup vanilla bean sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp mulling spices
Instructions: Combine the sugar, water, and mulling spices in a saucepan, stir, then simmer for 3 minutes. Let it cool, pour it into a jar, add the whiskey, then seal. Shake it and store it for 24 hours.
Serving: 2
9. Infused Whiskey Irish Coffee
You can reconstruct your favorite Irish coffee [1] and add a more robust coffee-infused Irish whiskey with this recipe.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Irish whiskey
- ¼ cup whole coffee beans
Instructions: Pour the ingredients into a mason jar, seal it, and shake. Store it for 24 hours and enjoy.
Serving: 2
8. Infused Whiskey Old-Fashioned
Infuse an orange peel with some bitters into your favorite whiskey and have your whiskey in the Old-Fashioned way.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whiskey
- 3 oz water
- 2 tbsp simple syrup
- 5 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1pc Orange
Instructions: Mix the syrup, water, and bitters in a jar, then put the whiskey in a jar or sealable container.
Cut the zest off the orange directly into the jar and seal. Shake it and wait for a minimum of six hours.
Serving: 4
7. Pecan Old Fashioned
Make pecan-infused whiskey with just three ingredients; pecans, vanilla, and whiskey.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 days, 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 750 ml whiskey (1 bottle)
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions: Add all the ingredients into a large mason jar and shake it. Let it sit for five days before tasting it.
Serving: 16
6. Orange Whiskey
This fine orange-flavored whiskey has a simple recipe, orange, and whiskey plus time for infusion.
“Whiskey is almost an infusion already because it starts off as a clear spirit and is then essentially infused with wood in the barrel…”
– Adam Seger, Chef/Bartender
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 days, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups Whiskey
- 2 oranges
Instructions: Put the whiskey in a mason jar, then peel the zest off the oranges directly into the whiskey. Cover the mason jar and wait for seven days before tasting.
Serving: 2
5. Infused Whiskey Manhattan
This infusion can make a mulled Manhattan cocktail with sweet vermouth and warming spices.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 day, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whiskey
- 1 cup sweet vermouth
- 3 pc star anise
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tbsp whole clove
Instructions: Add all the liquor and spices to a large jar, seal it and shake it. Wait for 24 hours before serving it.
Serving: 3
4. Apple Pie Infused Whiskey
Whiskey infused with fresh apples and warming spices makes a good Apple Pie infused whiskey cocktail.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7days, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whiskey
- 1 pc apple (sliced)
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 pc cinnamon stick
Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar and seal it. Shake it well, then store it for one week before serving.
Serving: 2
3. Chocolate Infused Whiskey
Create a chocolate-infused whiskey with whiskey and some chocolate using cacao. [2]
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 2 days, 3 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whiskey
- ¼ cup cacao nibs
Instructions: Add the whiskey and cacao together in a jar or container. Cover it and let it sit for a minimum of two days for a richer flavor.
Serving: 2
2. Chai Infused Whiskey
All you need is your favorite whiskey and chai tea bag to create a delectable Chai-infused whiskey.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 days, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups whiskey
- 4 Chai tea bags
Instructions: Put whiskey into a jar or other sealable container and add the chai tea bags, making sure it is soaked. Store it for a week, then remove the tea bags and serve.
Serving: 3
1. Sweet Potato-Infused Whiskey
This starchy sweet potato can surprisingly create a good cloudy-haze-infused whiskey.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 days, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz whiskey
- 12 oz sweet potato (cut and peeled)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a mason jar, seal, then store for a minimum of five days. Shake daily.
Serving: 2
FAQs Related to Whiskey Infusion Recipes
How long should you infuse whiskey?
You can infuse whiskey within a day or two, depending on the ingredients. Some whiskey infusions would take longer, up to a week or more, for a stronger flavor.
Do you need to refrigerate infused whiskey?
No, you don’t need to refrigerate infused whiskey. Once it’s in an air-tight, sealed mason jar or container, keep it in a dark, cool place away from heat and sunlight.
Why would someone want to infuse whiskey?
Infusing whiskey allows individuals to customize the flavor of their whiskey, adding complexity and personalizing it to their taste preferences.
What types of ingredients can be used for whiskey infusion recipes?
A wide range of ingredients can be used for whiskey infusion, including fruits like berries or citrus, spices like cinnamon or cloves, herbs like mint or basil, and even ingredients like coffee beans or chili peppers.
Are there specific whiskey brands or types that work best for infusion recipes?
While any whiskey can be infused, it’s often recommended to start with a neutral or versatile whiskey base, such as a blended whiskey or bourbon, to allow the infused flavors to shine through.
How long does it take to infuse whiskey with flavors?
The infusion time can vary depending on the ingredients used and the desired intensity of flavor, but most whiskey infusion recipes require anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for optimal results.
What are some popular whiskey infusion recipes?
Popular whiskey infusion recipes include classics like citrus-infused whiskey, spiced apple whiskey, vanilla bean whiskey, and even more adventurous options like bacon-infused whiskey or jalapeño-infused whiskey.
Can I use infused whiskey in cocktails, or is it best enjoyed neat?
Infused whiskey can be used in a variety of cocktails to add depth and complexity to drinks, but it can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate the infused flavors.
Final Verdict
Infusion is a great way to elevate your whiskey as it creates and brings more complex flavor to your cocktails, plus it’s easy to make.
The good news is that you can infuse just any ingredient into whiskey, whether it be fruit, vegetable, spices, coffee, or even tea.
There are countless possible ways to infuse your whiskey, but you can start with these whiskey infusion recipes above.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Irish-coffee
- https://www.tennessean.com/story/sponsor-story/blue-cross-blue-shield/2017/12/01/cacao-cocoa-chocolate-what-differences-and-do-they-matter/876349001/
