As a bartender, I’ve developed a passion for experimenting with new techniques to craft unique drinks. Infusion is one trend that has really caught my attention lately. By infusing liquor with herbs, fruits, and spices, you can unlock a world of flavors and complexities that go beyond simple mixing. The beauty of infusion lies in its versatility – it can be as straightforward or intricate as you want it to be.
You can start with a single ingredient like vanilla or jalapeño, or get creative with complex blends of herbs and spices. The possibilities are truly endless, making it an exciting area to explore. Of course, not all infused cocktails are created equal. Some may be too sweet or overpowering, while others might be too subtle and unremarkable. That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to test out a wide range of infusion recipes, seeking the perfect balance of flavors and techniques.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my top picks for infused cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests and take your mixology skills to the next level. From classic combinations like lavender and gin to unexpected pairings like rosemary and tequila, these drinks will showcase the full potential of infusion. So grab your shaker and let’s dive in!
French Prince
Elevate your cocktail game with the ‘French Prince’, a unique and approachable infused concoction that’s sure to delight. This innovative recipe, born from the creativity of a Canadian mixologist, cleverly substitutes an affordable French press for the typically pricey Porthole Infuser. The spotlight shines on White Owl whisky from Alberta, Canada, its crisp clarity perfectly complemented by the luscious grape notes of Verjus, honey’s subtle sweetness, and warm cinnamon undertones.
A burst of fruity freshness comes courtesy of dried apricots and Honey Crisp apples, expertly blending to create a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you and your guests in awe. Whether you’re entertaining at home or impressing friends at a gathering, the ‘French Prince’ is the perfect choice for anyone seeking an unforgettable drinking experience.
Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of summer with the Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade. This refreshing cocktail combines the richness of Strawberry Basil Infused Vodka with the brightness of fresh lemons, resulting in a delightful balance of sweet and tart notes that will leave you craving more. The fragrant aroma of basil and the natural sweetness of strawberries make this drink truly unique.
Whether you’re sipping it solo on your porch or sharing it with friends at a backyard gathering, the Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Lemon Vodka Tonic
Indulge in the revitalizing taste of the Lemon Vodka Tonic, a citrusy masterpiece that’s sure to delight any palate. The infused vodka’s subtle brightness and lemony essence bring a new dimension to the classic tonic cocktail, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing and tangy drink. Whether enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer to add an extra layer of zest to your favorite cocktails, this revitalizing concoction is sure to please even the most discerning taste buds.
Gin Sour With Butterfly Pea
Elevate your cocktail game with the visually striking Gin Sour With Butterfly Pea. This masterpiece of mixology combines Malfy Gin Rosa with grapefruit, pink peppercorn, lavender bitters, and butterfly pea flower simple syrup to create a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and botanical flavors.
The incorporation of pink peppercorn and lavender bitters adds depth and complexity, while the butterfly pea flower simple syrup not only lends a mesmerizing blue hue but also introduces a subtle floral nuance. As a result, this cocktail is sure to delight gin enthusiasts seeking a visually impressive drink that’s both Instagram-worthy and tantalizing to the taste buds.
Vampire Cynar Negroni
In a bewitching twist on the classic Negroni, the Vampire Cynar Negroni casts a spell with its unique blend of Dry Rye Reposado Gin, Cynar, and strawberry infused Campari. This enchanting concoction yields a sweet earthiness and a mysterious midnight hue that’s sure to transport your Halloween party guests to a realm of darkness and delight.
The garnish of smoking rosemary adds an herbaceous aroma and an eerie visual effect, but it’s the dry ice added just before serving that truly unleashes the cocktail’s Halloween magic. As the fog swirls out of the glass, your gathering will be enveloped in a hauntingly delicious aura that will leave everyone under its thrall.
Blackberry Hibiscus Spritzer With Tarragon
Indulge in the Blackberry Hibiscus Spritzer with Tarragon, a revitalizing summer mocktail that harmoniously balances sweet and tart flavors. To craft this delightful drink, start by brewing hibiscus tea and infusing it with the deep sweetness of blackberries. The tarragon’s subtle essence is elevated when transformed into a simple syrup and expertly muddled with the blackberries, lime juice, and aromatics to create a symphony of flavors.
For optimal enjoyment, serve the Blackberry Hibiscus Spritzer over cubed cocktail ice and stir it gently with a bar spoon that spins to prevent the ice from chipping, ensuring a refreshing and unchipped experience.
Cinnamon Grapefruit Paloma
The Cinnamon Grapefruit Paloma embodies the essence of autumn in a tequila cocktail. Its harmonious blend of cinnamon-infused simple syrup, freshly squeezed grapefruit and orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and a splash of soda water creates a refreshing and cozy drink. The cinnamon salty sugar rim adds a delightful balance of lime and salt, elevating the overall flavor profile.
The cinnamon simple syrup’s subtle warmth is derived from its cinnamon stick infusion, while the soda water contributes a touch of effervescence, tempering the sweetness to perfection. This seasonally-inspired cocktail masterfully balances citrusy refreshment with spicy coziness, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates tequila cocktails and wants to indulge in fall’s flavors.
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
Innovating on the classic mojito formula, the Raspberry Mojito Cocktail is an undeniable winner when it comes to refreshing summer drinks. By incorporating fresh raspberries into a quick and easy simple syrup, this twist boasts a vibrant hue and a flavor profile that sets it apart from other mojito renditions. The harmony of flavors in this recipe is spot on, making it an exemplary case study in balance.
Moreover, the raspberry simple syrup can be repurposed to elevate other cocktails, making it a valuable addition to any mixologist’s arsenal.
Rice and Saffron
Indulge in the exotic flavors of Japan with the ‘Rice and Saffron’ infused cocktail, an innovative twist on traditional whiskey-based drinks. By combining Japanese Shochu with saffron-infused goodness, this refreshing concoction is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. The harmonious blend of yuzu juice, ginger, cinnamon, and Lady Londonderry tea creates a rich tapestry of flavors that unfold with each sip, as the subtle notes of saffron emerge to dominate the senses.
A perfect cocktail for those seeking adventure in their drinking experience, ‘Rice and Saffron’ is an unforgettable treat that will leave you wanting more.
Lemongrass Gin Cocktail
Indulge in the Lemongrass Gin Cocktail, a symphony of flavors that will whisk you away to a tropical oasis. This revitalizing concoction is characterized by a herby simple syrup, meticulously infused with fresh lemongrass, mint, and ginger. The harmonious blend creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, making it an ideal choice for a warm evening or a romantic getaway. Beyond its tantalizing taste, lemongrass has been revered for centuries for its purported mystical properties.
Legend has it that this enigmatic herb can aid in the healing process after a heartbreak, foster introspection and psychic awareness, and even facilitate love and lust spells. As such, it’s no wonder why the Lemongrass Gin Cocktail has become a staple among those seeking a romantic rendezvous or a spirited soiree.
Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail
This refreshing Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail is the epitome of summer in a glass. The harmonious blend of sweet watermelon, floral elderflower, and subtle cucumber notes creates a light and revitalizing drink that’s perfect for hot days or gatherings with friends. The addition of lime juice adds a touch of tanginess, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
Whether you’re seeking a unique cocktail to enjoy on your own or one to impress at a party, the Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail is an exceptional choice. Its subtle complexity and refreshing charm make it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game.
Swedish 75
The Swedish 75 champagne cocktail brings a Scandinavian flair to the classic French 75. This revitalizing drink combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling wine with the sweet-tart addition of lingonberry preserves. The subtle berry flavor infuses the cocktail with a distinct taste that will leave you wanting more. As a fan of bubbly cocktails, the Swedish 75 is an absolute must-try. Its understated elegance makes it perfect for any celebratory occasion.
With accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily recreate this delightful concoction at home. The end result is a refreshing cocktail that will surely impress your guests with its unique Nordic twist on a timeless classic.
Summer in Provence Cocktail
Savoring the essence of summer, the ‘Summer in Provence Cocktail’ is a sublime concoction that redefines the classic bramble recipe. By incorporating fresh blackberries and a thyme and rosemary infused simple syrup, this refreshing drink transports your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Provence. As the perfect antidote to scorching summer days, this cocktail’s sweet and light profile is sure to delight any palate.
With its ease of preparation and impressive presentation – featuring fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme or rosemary – this ‘Summer in Provence Cocktail’ is destined to become a crowd-pleaser at your next outdoor gathering.
Earl Grey Tea Cocktail
Innovative mixologists have crafted the Earl Grey Tea Cocktail, a revitalizing blend of gin, lavender, lemon, and earl grey tea. This unexpected fusion of ingredients results in a rich tapestry of flavors that is both invigorating and soothing to the palate. The harmonious marriage of gin and tea yields a complex profile that will leave you intrigued. To further enhance the experience, the addition of honey simple syrup injects a touch of warmth, expertly balancing the diverse flavor notes.
With its simplicity in preparation and versatility for any social gathering, this unique cocktail is poised to become a new favorite among connoisseurs.
Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
A symphony of sweet and tart flavors comes together in the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini, a refreshing and delightfully unique cocktail that combines the bright zest of lemon with the subtle charm of lavender. With just four straightforward ingredients, this drink is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
The addition of lavender simple syrup lends an air of sophistication to the classic lemon drop martini, while the delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a versatile choice for any social gathering. Finishing touches come in the form of a dried lemon slice and a sprig of dried lavender, adding a touch of refinement to this already-irresistible cocktail. If you’re a fan of the harmonious union of lemon and lavender, this drink is an absolute must-try.
Breakfast of Champion
Imagine sipping on a creamy and smooth concoction that combines the finest Cognac, luscious peaches, and a hint of vermouth, all topped off with a velvety egg white foam. This ‘Breakfast of Champion’ cocktail is an unexpected delight that will surprise your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The innovative infusion of oatmeal into the milk may seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer in this unique blend.
With its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this breakfast-inspired drink is sure to start your day off right.
Watermelon Rosé Slushy
Sip into summer with the Watermelon Rosé Slushy, affectionately known as Frosé. This revitalizing concoction, crafted from frozen rosé wine, succulent watermelon, and ice cubes, is simplicity itself to prepare. The beauty of this cocktail lies in its adaptability – adjust the sweetness to your taste buds’ delight.
nThe harmonious union of watermelon’s natural sweetness and rosé’s dryness yields a sublime drink that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful.
Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or impromptu weekend get-togethers with friends, the Watermelon Rosé Slushy is an exciting addition to your cocktail repertoire – give it a try and discover why it’s worth savoring!
