The Delicious Science Behind Infusing Alcohol

For those who like cocktails, alcohol can be infused with various ingredients such as botanicals, mushrooms, and savory fats to create a uniquely flavored drink. Infused alcohol can create a tasty twist to the classic cocktails we all know and love, which is great for bartending, parties, and even just to try something new. The infusion process is simple to follow, and takes little work from you.

To begin the infusion process, you need to put the desired ingredients in an airtight container or swing top bottle with the selected alcohol and let it sit. Once the concoction has sat for long enough to infuse the flavor, use a drink strainer or cheesecloth to remove the remnants of the ingredients and your alcohol is ready to start mixing! Easy!

For those who enjoy a little science lesson, this process occurs because most ingredients have an equilibrium of the outside and inside. During the natural process of osmotic diffusion (for more details on that fun process, click here), the liquid will permeate through the cell walls and eventually equalize, which gives the liquid the flavor and aroma of the ingredients.

To extract more flavor in a shorter amount of time, you can enhance the extraction process by chopping the ingredients and increasing surface contact through heat or agitation.

In this recipe for an Olive Oil Martini, the vodka or gin is infused or “fat washed” with extra virgin olive oil for at least 8 hours. During this time, the extra virgin olive oil flavor and aroma are released and absorbed by the vodka. When the oil is frozen, it turns into a solid, which can be easily separated from the liquid. This is a very quick and easy infusion - no additional tools needed!

Pairing Inspiration:

• Whiskey: Truffles, Bacon Fat, Pineapple

• Gin: Chamomile, Green Tea, Pine

• Vodka: Olive Oil, Lavender and Rosemary

• Tequila: Lemon Grass and Ginger, Chili Pepper

The most important factor to consider when choosing what to infuse it with is whether it will taste good or not. If you are unsure, just give it a try!