Making homemade infused vodka is one of the easiest ways to create a thoughtful kitchen gift with very little hands-on work. Unlike fruit liqueurs, which often need a longer steeping time and a more involved process, simple infused vodka is quick to prepare and easy to customize with fruit, citrus peel, spices, or berries you already have on hand.
If you are looking for a last-minute homemade alcohol gift for Christmas, a birthday, a hostess gift, or a holiday basket, infused vodka is a practical choice. The ingredients go into a clean jar, the vodka rests in a cool, dark place, and time does most of the work. Within two to three weeks, the vodka takes on a fresh, fruity flavor that can be bottled, labeled, and shared.
Two favorite combinations are saskatoon and lemon infused vodka, and cranberry, orange, and cinnamon infused vodka. After infusing two bottles of vodka for about two weeks, you can end up with enough homemade flavored vodka for stocking stuffers, small gifts, and your own home bar. The finished vodka looks especially attractive in clean glass bottles with simple labels and serving suggestions tied on with ribbon.
This saskatoon infused vodka recipe has a distinctive Prairie flavor. Saskatoons bring a deep berry note, while lemon peel adds brightness and balance. If saskatoons are not available where you live, you can use other berries such as blueberries or raspberries. The method stays the same, making this a flexible homemade infused vodka recipe for many seasons.
Saskatoon Infused Vodka – Homemade Alcohol Gift
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen saskatoons
- 1 tbsp lemon peel from 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 cups vodka
Instructions
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Place the saskatoons, lemon peel, sugar, and vodka in a clean, sterilized mason jar.
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Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Shake the jar gently from time to time.
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Taste the vodka after the flavor has had time to develop.
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When the vodka has the flavor you like, strain out the fruit and lemon peel.
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Pour the infused vodka into clean, sterilized bottles.
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Seal, decorate, and label the bottles with serving suggestions.
Notes
Warning: Infused vodka is still vodka. This recipe does not turn vodka into a sweet sipping liqueur; it simply adds a layer of natural fruit flavor. Unless you usually enjoy vodka straight, use homemade infused vodka in cocktails or mixed drinks. A small amount can add a personal touch to simple holiday drinks without making the process complicated.
Champagne Cocktail
1 oz infused vodka, chilled
1 oz fruit juice that complements the vodka flavor
3 oz champagne, chilled
berries or fruit for garnish
Place 1 to 4 berries in the bottom of a champagne flute. Add the infused vodka and fruit juice, then top with chilled champagne. Garnish with berries or fruit and serve right away.
Cosmo
2 oz infused vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1 oz fruit juice
1/2 oz lime juice
berries or citrus peel for garnish
ice
Fill a martini shaker with ice. Add the infused vodka, triple sec, fruit juice, and lime juice. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with berries or a strip of citrus peel.
Homemade infused vodka is a simple gift from the kitchen that feels personal without requiring advanced skills. Use clean jars, good-quality fruit, and enough time for the flavors to blend. Once strained and bottled, the finished vodka can be enjoyed in cocktails, added to a small gift basket, or kept on hand for holiday entertaining.
Enjoy responsibly.
- Interested in other Gifts from the Kitchen? Check these out:
- Mulled Cider
- Hot Cocoa Mix
- Monogrammed Mugs
- Cinnamon Apple Pancake Mix in a Jar
- Cookie Mixes in a Jar
- Soup Mix in a Jar
- Homemade Granola
- Homemade Seasoning Blends
- Infused Vinegar
- Candied and Spiced Nuts
- Nuts and Bolts Recipe
- Popcorn Seasoning Recipes