Much to my mother’s dismay, I am a drinker. And to make matters worse, my preferred time to relax with cocktail in hand is at dusk, in clear-ish daylight. For those among you more respectable than I, I salute you and will account for you in today’s recipe. For my happy hour brethren, stand proud: you, too, can benefit from learning about infusions.
To make an infusion, oil or water is heated up and poured over a flavoring agent. Simple as that, and sometimes heating isn’t even necessary. The ingredient should steep for 15 minutes to 4 hours or even longer. Infusions are generally preferred to muddling or blending because the flavor permeates evenly. A good infusion isn’t heavy handed but nuanced and interesting.
Photo by dianapappas
When flavoring liquor, you needn’t heat up the alcohol. Simply pour it into a prepared seal-able container that’s holding your ingredient of choice (berry, cucumber, chili, herb, etc.) or add the flavoring agent to a bottle that’s two shots shy of full and seal. Set in a cool place and check on flavor development after a few days. For strong ingredients like horseradish or chilies, 3 days should do. For delicate fruits and herbs — think mango, melon or tarragon— a week or more may be best. To remove your flavoring agent, pour the liquid through a sieve to remove the extra ingredients and then pour it back into the bottle.
When infusing simple syrup, anything goes. Mix equal parts sugar and water together in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the ingredient (ginger, vanilla or rosemary, for example), then cover and let infuse for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Strain the simple syrup and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Photo by BroomhillPictures
Some people can be scared off from flavoring oils by the fear of botulism (from introducing water to the oil). My solution is to work with dry ingredients and to store your oil in the fridge. Work with sterilized containers and strain out the ingredient after a few days. Cooks Illustrated ran a nice series on spice-infused oils with good ideas worth checking out, like cumin-infused oil.
As March 20 marked the first day of spring, I’d hoped to find a newly sprouted herb or blossom to infuse a simple syrup. But it’s still cold in Brooklyn (and upstate there’s even snow) so I took what was at hand: citrus, ginger and hot peppers. Here are the two recipes, for the lushes and the teetotalers:
Meyer Lemon Ginger Syrup
Zest and juice 2 cups worth of Meyer lemon. Whisk in 2 cups worth of sugar (add fresh grated ginger too, if you like — a peeled 2-3 inch knob should do). Set aside and let infuse for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for later use or mix with enough bubbly water to taste. In the Eatsy kitchen we mixed with twice as much water as syrup and poured it into a flat pan to freeze. We scraped it twice with a fork and served the Granita as a refreshing meal’s end.
Photo by SorellaBath
Chili Lemon Vodka
Pour out 2-3 shots of vodka from your preferred bottle. (Do with this what you may.) Wash and dry 2-3 hot chilies and shove them in the jar. Peel two washed lemons and add the strips of zest to the vodka. Store in a cool place. Serve over ice, use in a Bloody Mary, or serve shaken with a bit of simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Ahhhh…
Kitty Greenwald, cook and author, coordinates all things Eatsy — our locally sourced food program. Through communal staff meals held around handmade farm tables, and seasonal dishes shared with you here, Eatsy aims to nourish and inspire through food.
140 comments
Sign in to add your ownParadiseBodyShop says:
That Meyer Lemon Ginger Syrup looks delicious!
1 year ago
Jashme says:
This article smells so good!
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
I'm going to have to share this post with my husband. He is our kitchen infuser but I'll think of you tonight Kitty as I enjoy my Gin and Tonic :)
1 year ago
vKnit says:
Wonderful!! xox
1 year ago
EnolasEnchantedGrove says:
I infuse olive oil and vinegar with herbs that I grow myself, a lot to use at home! Herb Infused honey is awesome, I buy from a local farmer :) Thanks for sharing this!
1 year ago
DecoFamara says:
My favorite is with cinammon. Love it
1 year ago
chrysallis says:
excellent post!
1 year ago
SchneiderGallery says:
hmmm lemon vodka sounds delicious yummy !! :)
1 year ago
whiletheyplay says:
Oh yum!
1 year ago
TheCaramelJar says:
Yum Yum!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
What a great post!!! Yum! =)
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Nice! I could do with a drink.
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Look forward to trying these! Love Eatsy!
1 year ago
cynthiacallan says:
I love the idea of lemon and freshly grated ginger. A Spring delight!!
1 year ago
BetaPorHomme says:
hmmm... that seems like perfect spring project!
1 year ago
dirtygirlclean says:
I love making these... and giving as gifts. It's fun to pillage (steal) from around the neighborhood, too.
1 year ago
KnitKnit says:
wonderful! will definitely have to try this for spring :) thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
asundrynotion says:
What is Meyer lemon & how is it different from any old lemon at the grocers?
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Yummy as always ! Merci :)
1 year ago
birchbaykay says:
My mouth is watering and my imagination is sailing with ideas of infusions! Perfect pick-me-up! Merci beaucoup!!!!
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
EarthSeaWarrior says:
Just saved this post as a PDF cuz its AWESOME! Definitely gonna use it as a reference for future yumminess! ;)))))
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Sounds Good!
1 year ago
FancyGirlDesigns says:
I love the "saucy" idea!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
We love making infusions, especially mint syrup infusions during the spring/summer time to sweeten lemonade. One trick is to use superfine sugar- it dissolves much faster than regular sugar, making them faster to make and giving you more time to make a wider variety of infusions :) To have your infusions last longer, always make sure the water is well boiled, the herbs and containers used super dry and make sure nothing wet comes in contact with your infusion after making them, always use a dry spoon to scoop up the syrups you'd like to use.
1 year ago
astarteearthart says:
Thanks! Medicine for the heart!
1 year ago
Armalique says:
sounds really interesting! I've never tried flavored syrup before. Sounds delicious:)
1 year ago
auntjanecan says:
Ahhhh! wonderful flavors!!!
1 year ago
ragsbysockmonkey says:
oh yeah, just started some rosemary simple syrup. Gonna make some rosemary infused lemonade when the weather gets nice! Thanks for the idea, I can never go through all of my fresh rosemary from my CSA box. Now I know what to do!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
My favorite ingredients lemon and ginger! How refreshing! Thanks for this article!
1 year ago
JanJat says:
Lemon and ginger sounds wonderful and anything with mint for the summer is a dream! Thanks for getting my creative-cooking juices going :)
1 year ago
MissHildebrandt says:
Muah to you for this article!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Yum yum! All looks so tasty :)
1 year ago
JasmineLund says:
Brilliant ideas! Thanks for sharing! And of course love all the gorgeous photography!
1 year ago
CanningCrafts says:
ooooh, tasty! The Vanilla Bean Syrup from CMDtees sounds & looks amazing too :)
1 year ago
choisette says:
everything tastes better with a shot of vodka.
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Interesting information. Thanks for sharing. All one needs are a few vintange jars or bottles to put the syrup in.
1 year ago
HardwareCulture says:
Can't wait to try this on my own, thank you! Invite me over to your next happy hour- I will bring the records!
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
Oh this is incredible! Just up my street :) Thank you!!
1 year ago
thepinkswan says:
hmmm...good ideas to try! ( i am not a drinker myself, but this gives me some new ideas to try for my fermented water kefirs!!!) hearts to you!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Superb ideas!
1 year ago
LeBirdEtLeBear says:
Wow! I never knew you could infuse so much! ;) Very interesting and enticing.
1 year ago
miasole says:
A great idea, I must try! thanks
1 year ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
Perfect timing. Just last night my husband and I were trying to figure out how to make cucumber infused lemonade for a "refreshtini". I just read him this article and his wheels are already turning. Thanks and Cheers!
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
Can't wait to try the Chili Lemon Vodka...I am a vodka girl...and I love both of those flavors!
1 year ago
agmode says:
Great article!
1 year ago
kristincoffin says:
I am SO excited about this article! I'm sorry you live in chilly Brooklyn (I'm from Norther VT, so I know all about that), but I live in southern CA now, and happen to have a Meyer's lemon tree in my back yard. I have more ripe lemons than I know what to do with. Your recipe came at the perfect time!
1 year ago
ddfoto says:
The chili lemon vodka sounds Yummy!!
1 year ago
jewelrylj says:
wonderful flavors!!!
1 year ago
SugarCubeVintage says:
i luv lemon anything...i'm guessing chili lemon vodka will be my new fav!
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Will have to give it a try.
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
too funny. I just got my hands on a fun cocktail book and I was adding recipes to the text edit on my computer. took a quick break from that to check etsy... and then found this link! these are recipes worth saving! heading to bookmark this and ...where is the closest liquor store! YUMMMmmm!
1 year ago
scarletbegonia11 says:
So happy to find this ♡
1 year ago
oatkacreekstudio says:
Sounds wonderful!
1 year ago
PrairieFairyDesigns says:
Feeling inspired and excited for the short but oh so sweet growing season here in North Dakota. Thanks for sharing the wealth of infusion knowledge with all of us.
1 year ago
NoMoreTwistHandmade says:
cumin oil! such a great idea, especially if you use toasted cumin seeds. i've been loving melted browned cumin seed butter, but you have to make it right when you are going to eat it. it'd be so handy to have it in oil form so it would always be ready to go. thanks for the ideal!
1 year ago
simplyuniqueboutique says:
This all looks delicious !!!!
1 year ago
simplyuniqueboutique says:
This all looks delicious !!!!
1 year ago
GLAMSHINEACCESORIES says:
I love this! I want a drink now.
1 year ago
stellaranae says:
oh, i hope you will include other recipies like this in the future, it makes me think Spring even though we had 10 inches of snow today:)
1 year ago
FeudforFibre says:
Terrific Article! Can't wait to try This!
1 year ago
twigandsprout says:
Yum! Herbs are one of the best presents from the earth. :) I make a lavender infused lemonade. It still feels like winter here, but soon I will be able to justify making it...
1 year ago
stilettogirl says:
I'm with DecoFamara... my favorite is cinnamon infused simple syrup. Mix with blood orange juice or soda and Grand Marnier. Super Yumm.... oh and what's wrong with drinking in the daylight? I'd rather drink my cocktail at 5 and have a few hours to burn off the calories! ; )
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
you could just call it chinese medicine. :D
1 year ago
AliceCouture says:
They looks all delicious!!! I love lemon and lemon things in general!
1 year ago
kayratastaki says:
I must try Chili Lemon Votka. Thanks for sharing. Yummy!
1 year ago
SimpleeYou says:
Hmmm, I am not much of a drinker but I'd like to try one of your recipes!
1 year ago
gri0tte says:
Love this post!!! Yummy drinks!! ♥
1 year ago
Willow4u says:
Vanilla bean syrup! Cant wait for Happy Hour!
1 year ago
THIMBLEandACORN says:
My personal favorite infusion is ginger. Chop or food process a good cup or so of ginger, put it in some vodka for a week, then shake it up with some lime and simple syrup, holy moly it is so good. And ginger is good for you, so it is healthy too, right?
1 year ago
nonesuchgarden says:
Yum yum yum! I want to try this!
1 year ago
glitzygirlfashions says:
You're so inspiring! My herbs are no where near ready, but I can't wait (off to the store I go!)...
1 year ago
CopperAndBlues says:
Thanks for the article. Love the pictures. We put a cayenne in honey last summer. Warms me just thinking about it!
1 year ago
madebykim says:
i love vanilla bean anything
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
I've never tried infusions. Will have to experiment now. Thanks. 8 hours to happy hour . . .
1 year ago
ThePeachTree says:
You're a mind reader, Kitty! I've been dying to learn infusions and had vowed this spring was finally the time!
1 year ago
daisyvortex says:
I think I know what I am making for christmas next season. Thank goodness, the family my be getting tired of my handmade pottery that I have been gifting for 20 years.
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
I love this!! You can also make vanilla extract from fermenting vodka with a real vanilla bean...so good! And great as gifts for the holidays, since it takes 6+ months to ferment...
1 year ago
josephinebrooke says:
I am with you 100%...what great ideas and flavors! I'm so looking forward to growing herbs this summer just for this reason....but don't tell my family ;) Thanks for the great post! Cheers!
1 year ago
VintageBaby0709 says:
I love the idea of vanilla in vodka!
1 year ago
flyingwhale says:
oh you've got me so excited to infuse everything! i long to make a big batch of sun tea on my porch. alas, we just got dumped on by snow yesterday... feels like the green grass and sun are so far from my reach ;)
1 year ago
VespertineSilver says:
Mmmm lovely! This has inspired me to make some cucumber-infused vodka for the Springtime. The weirdest infused vodka I have tried is Bacon vodka. Actually quite nice!
1 year ago
VespertineSilver says:
Mmmm lovely! This has inspired me to make some cucumber-infused vodka for the Springtime. The weirdest infused vodka I have tried is Bacon vodka. Actually quite nice!
1 year ago
PthaloAzul says:
My mom used to do this with Lemonade, too. It added a kick to a typically boring drink.
1 year ago
emilybidwell says:
The Meyer Lemon Ginger Syrup (Granita) was amazing. It literally tasted like the essence of my childhood backyard citrus tree. Blossoms, rind and all.
1 year ago
WestcoastKnittery says:
Yum! I received a book at Christmas that is all about infusions. I can't wait for my herb garden to start growing so I can get in on this tasty action.
1 year ago
whoop says:
can't wait to make my sauce more saucy!
1 year ago
Sharonscreativeside says:
i will have to try the chili lime vodka:)
1 year ago
PopRoxFox says:
Wow! Thank you, SarahSloboda, for the incredible work on the featured photo. BEAUTIFUL! The pic makes me feel alive! (and thirsty) *happy dance*
1 year ago
girliepains says:
great pics!
1 year ago
pamwares says:
great summer cocktail to look forward to!
1 year ago
abigailleedesigns says:
What a wonderful article! I've ALWAYS wanted to do something like this, but never knew how. Now I know my weekend project!
1 year ago
ClassicObsessive says:
It's 11:00 AM, but I'm ready for a drink now!! I've infused mint into my drinks before, but it had never occurred to me to try a berry or mango infusion! Off to the kitchen...
1 year ago
AmberRaeCreations says:
I will definitely be trying your lemon-infused ice! Yum! p.s. Don't you just *love* Cook's Illustrated?! I cannot get enough of them. =)
1 year ago
BirdsChasingBugs says:
My stomach grumbles with anticipation! Pear-infused vodka is first on my list, methinks! And then, maybe a cantaloupe? Thanks for this excellent post!
1 year ago
DearOhDeer says:
GUESS WHAT I'M DRINKING ALL SUMMER LONG
1 year ago
dreamtimeharvest says:
Yum-yum-yum! I love infusing! And....if you do a vodka and fruit...when you take the fruit out - sometimes the fruit is the best part! :) Kapow!
1 year ago
janeeroberti says:
LOVE IT! I started with Limoncello a few summers ago and have been infusing vodka with every herb in my garden ever since. My favorite is SAGE VODKA. I've been bottling it for gifts and it is FIERCE.
1 year ago
AlisaBrides says:
Yum! This might just become my upcoming weekend project :)
1 year ago
craftymcgee says:
I'm bookmarking this one! Thanks for all of the info, and thanks everyone above for all of the great ideas!
1 year ago
stellainnamorati says:
We made limoncello in my craft group a couple months back. I wrote a pretty extensive blog about it (http://februarystar.tumblr.com/post/2790988619/limoncello-and-infusing-vodka) and there's a follow up post (http://februarystar.tumblr.com/post/3615923840/limoncello-project-part-ii)
1 year ago
julietgo says:
asundrynotion: A Meyer lemon is a variety thought to be a cross between either a lemon and an orange, or a lemon and a mandarin. I couldn't find too many authoritative links about it, but this New York Times article is thorough: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503E2DD143BF931A35751C1A96E958260&pagewanted=all Note: they contain about four times the sugar of a regular lemon!
1 year ago
LavenderField says:
mmmmmm!!
1 year ago
SeasonsGleanings says:
Meyer Lemon Ginger Syrup sounds like it would be a great addition to a marinade...can't wait to try it as granita. Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
thanks for the tips! you got to just adore Eatsy! and that lemon photo makes me want to go out and make a lemon pie
1 year ago
GrandmasStash says:
i enjoyed this, thank you!
1 year ago
starmekcreations says:
Lemon Ginger syrup is medicinal too
1 year ago
Janisfineart says:
I found some stevia plants today at Walmart....was so excited to find them, later on this fall I will try making an infusion out of them...can't wait to try it!!!!
1 year ago
delilahsdeluxe says:
I am delighted by the return of the idea of the cocktail hour! I believe we all need a bit more elegance in our lives, and relaxing with a cocktail in the evening seems a great way to achieve this. And with these recipes, the enjoyment can increase exponentially! Thank you for sharing them!
1 year ago
ayushjain says:
amazing!!!!!!
1 year ago
l4481 says:
Thank you for some new ideas.... I always have several bottles going on at the same time :)
1 year ago
glasscitygifts says:
Your article is wonderful! You definitely bring up so many simple, but wonderful gift ideas. Glass City Gifts will be etching some wonderful jars for these creations! I will try to link this article to my jars after their added to Etsy! Thanks Jenny
1 year ago
BlueSkyStudios says:
Never even thought of doing this! Great article!
1 year ago
elizenazelie says:
what a coincidence, i just mixed my first peppermint/lemongrass water for dinner with friends tonight, i never thought of flavoured syrup! very interesting read <3
1 year ago
beevintageredux says:
Infused cocktails=yum!
1 year ago
triggerhappy says:
I'm kind of obsessed. Recently tried some schnapps & a pine needle infusion - http://t.co/676kxEL and this weekend took a food preservation class with leda meredith. expect to see pickles (all the better to martini with) and who knows what else. Thanks for sharing - the chili lemon vodka is first on my list.
1 year ago
OriginalsByLynnette says:
One of my favorite simple syrup infusions is rosemary. Basil runs a close second.
1 year ago
InMyCups says:
Asundrynotion - Meyer's lemons are bigger and sweeter than regular lemons. Infused are great and can be used in so many things, from drinks to marinades. Thanks for the article.
1 year ago
ThePerennialPast says:
Mmmm.... those recipes would be great while wearing some awesome vintage clothing. www.theperennialpast.etsy.com Thanks for sharing! I think I might use a few (all) of those ideas.
1 year ago
SoulRole says:
Mahalo for the reminder!I have so many great herbs and ginger in my garden..and my neighbors have amazing meyer's lemons! yum!
1 year ago
SacredEarthFriends says:
Oh me oh my O!! This info. is fantastic, thank you so much.
1 year ago
VondasVintageCrochet says:
This is the last article to be reading on a rainy Sunday evening deep in the heart of Georgia. Gosh darnit, now I gotta break out the drinking glasses!
1 year ago
renfenable says:
SHEER AWESOMENESS! Give me a warm day, a porch rocker, a cold glass of relaxation and it doesn't matter what time of day it is.
1 year ago
jurchenko says:
Mmmm. It just so happens that I have a dozen meyer lemons on my counter at this very moment... What a great post.
1 year ago
drownedforest says:
I've made infused oil, sugar and booze but never even thought of doing a simple syrup! What a top idea. And today I just discovered how fantastically well lemon and vanilla blend with each other... I think I know what I'm doing tomorrow.
1 year ago
JewelsbyJasmin says:
Ooh, great ideas, I can't wait to try them!
1 year ago
HanaMauiCreations says:
Sounds refreshing!
1 year ago
myneedlehabit says:
I made Habanero Vodka with dried peppers my cousin grew in this backyard in Park Slope last week. (I call it Absolute Nelson.) First sip....MAMA MIA. I love spicy, but this brew almost blew my knickers off...! In other words, it's perfect. ;-)
1 year ago
EmilieBliguet says:
I want to try all of them now! ^_^
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
delicious!
1 year ago
carboncopy says:
Do you need some kind of food license to sell this kind of stuff on etsy?
1 year ago
nwshortcake says:
Yummy...cant wait to try some of these!
1 year ago
rahs914 says:
That Meyer Lemon Ginger Syrup sound amazing. This article is tempting me to make more infusions today.
1 year ago
jiang888 says:
I am a drinker. And to make matters worse, my preferred time to relax with cocktail in hand is at dusk, in clear-ish daylight. Microsoft OneNote 2010
1 year ago
SofibellaDesign says:
This winter for the first time I made hand made LIMONCELLO. Yum! Super easy, mega yummy and always great gift to give (everyone who received a bottle was very impressed. Recipe: peals from 10 lemons 1 litre water 1 litre grain alcohol sugar EASY AS....limoncello! ;-)
1 year ago
SugarBlossomGirl says:
Uhmmmm yummy love these concoctions! :)
1 year ago
lulouandada says:
My kitchen is about to become a science lab.
1 year ago
SewardsCuriosities says:
Yum! I can't wait to try things out in my kitchen!
1 year ago
GiftCreation says:
Nice idea!:))
1 year ago
erinscisscorhands says:
Just tested my chilli & lemon vodka & it gets a resounding thumbs up all round! :)
1 year ago