Vodka Infusions

So this entry is a change of pace but a suggestion and fun experiment for the drinker who is looking for a different flavor. A few weeks ago I became curious with the idea of infusing liquor, this process is relatively simple and in my case quite successful.

Infusing liquor is adding a foreign flavor to the liquor that you already have, to do so here is what you will need:
Your liquor, I prefer straight vodka but gin, whiskey and anything else will do.
A clean tight sealed jar, I began with mason jars and they worked out fine.
Your ingredients; my first three experiments involved habenero peppers, mangos, strawberries and jalepenos.
Thoroughly wash your jar and all ingredients and slice them into small pieces, fill the jar about halfway with them and then add your liquor until it is full about 1/2 inch below the rim. Cap, seal and let it sit anywhere from 1-3 weeks.

In my first experience I tried three different recipes of vodka; Habenero, mango-strawberry, and strawberry-jalapeno. All of which were a success. The peppers were definitely the most prominent of the flavors and I would not recommend letting them sit for anything longer than 8 days.

You can test the liquor every once in a while to see if it has the taste you desire, if so then it is ready for consumption and if not then simply let it sit longer. Once your product is ready feel free to experiment with different drink recipes or just enjoy some new tasty shots. A few of my recipes that my friends liked are listed below:
The Smithers (shot): start with a pint glass of ice, mix 1/2 habenero (or jalepeno-strawberry) vodka, 1/4 pineapple and 1/4th passion fruit juice. Shake well to mix and pour as shots, the juice is the first flavor your taste and as it lingers the spice of the peppers finish the flavor. Definitely not for those who dont like spicy food but delicious none the less.
Worcester Mist: Ice, roughly 1/3rd mango-strawberry vodka and 2/3rds sierra mist. Applicable to any size glass or solo cup.

Hope the recipes were helpful, Cinnamon whiskey is next on the list of experiments, feel free to leave your own recipes and feedback. Cheers.