I’ve been making lots of infused spirits and sharing them with you here. In fact, there have been quite a few that have been holiday related. There’s even been some whiskey drinks that I’ve previously done, that were also based on infused spirits.
I like making my own infused spirits, as opposed to buying those flavored spirits from the store. I like that I can make combinations of things that taste good to me (most infused spirits are a singular flavor) and I especially like that the flavors of my spirits are more true to the actual ingredients that have infused them. They don’t taste like chemicals. In the case of my infused cherry, or blueberry vodka, they actually take on the color of the fruit that has been infused into them. Who ever heard of a clear cherry or clear blueberry? Puh-lease.
So the Fall is definitely time to break out those whiskey drink recipes. That, combined with your relatives on Thanksgiving means you’ve got all the more reason to break out the whiskey drinks and surprise everyone with a special Thanksgiving drink. How very festive of you! (We all know that the reality is that it’s also so that you can maintain our own sanity.)
Relationship Advice
It may be Movember, just remember there are side effects:
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Recipe: Whiskey Drink Recipes: The Spicy Cranberry
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces Cranberry Infused Whiskey (recipe below)
- 1 Ounce Ginger Liqueur
- 1 Teaspoon Cointreau
- 1/4 Teaspoon Honey
- Dash of Cinnamon
- Cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients and shake vigorously.
- Pour into low glass.
- Spear several cranberries on a pick and serve.
Quick notes
I like this drink straight up, but you could certainly serve this over ice if you prefer.
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
Cooking time:
Number of servings (yield): 1
Culinary tradition: USA (General)
My rating
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Recipe: Infused Spirits: Cranberry Infused Whiskey
Ingredients
- 1 Cup American Whiskey
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Cranberries (sliced in half)
- 3-4 Chestnuts (peeled)
- 1/2 Stick Cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in an airtight glass jar.
- Shake well and seal.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Keep infusing for a week, but shake the jar at least once a day.
Quick notes
This recipe can easily be doubled. tripled or more. It only needs to sit for a week to completely infuse the flavors.
Variations
I used fresh chestnuts that I boiled and peeled. However, there are several already peeled chestnuts available. Definitely feel free to use those….It will be much easier for you.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Cooking time:
Number of servings (yield): 3
Culinary tradition: USA (General)
My rating
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This all sounds excellent except for that part about waiting a week.
You can taste it after a couple of days and it might be where you want it. I like it good and infused, so I wait a week. If you really can’t wait…make one drink with it after a couple of days and keep infusing the rest for drinks later. Who am I to deprive someone of a fabulous cocktail? 😉
I am with you on time change – it gets dark at 4:30!
My best friend in Serbia is a pharmacist and has been making infused spirits and liqueurs for years. This summer she taught me how to do it and even contributed several bottles of purest apothecary alcohol to the project:) I just wish I had started earlier, to utilize all the fruits:)
I love the color of that drink and would gladly switch to a vegetarian diet if that’s the offering:)
Looking forward to seeing you soon, now that i am back (we are looking to rent something in Redondo or Hermosa pretty soon).