Are You Ready to Shake Up Your Cocktail Game with Cranberry Infused Vodka?
Cranberries are a staple in many households, especially during the holiday season. They add a sweet and tangy flavor to salads, muffins, and even turkey burgers. But have you ever thought of using them to infuse your vodka?
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The Magic of Infused Vodka
Infusing vodka with dried cranberries is a game-changer. It adds a delicate flavor that can elevate your cocktails to a whole new level. According to Molly Horn, the Chief Mixologist and Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More, “Adding a cup of dried cranberries to a bottle of vodka and letting it sit for a week or so will leave you with a delicately flavored vodka that can be great for anything from vodka sodas to Moscow Mules.”
The process of infusing vodka with dried cranberries is simple. All you need to do is combine the two in a sealable container, such as a ball jar, and let it sit for a week or so. The dried cranberries will plump up with vodka and can even be used as a garnish or a spiked snack.
Why Cranberry-Infused Vodka Works
So, what makes cranberry-infused vodka so special? For starters, it adds a nice tart flavor without too much sweetness. This makes it a natural combination with the ginger and lime notes of a Moscow Mule. The cranberry flavor also pairs well with effervescence and citrusy flavors, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of cocktails.
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Cranberry-Infused Vodka Cocktails to Try
Now that you have your cranberry-infused vodka, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few cocktail recipes that showcase the unique flavor of cranberry-infused vodka.
Cranberry Moscow Mule
A cranberry-infused Moscow Mule is the perfect holiday twist to a popular, year-round drink. The tart flavor of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the ginger beer and lime juice.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberry-infused vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Ginger beer | 4 oz |
| Lime juice | 1/2 oz |
| Lime wheel | 1 |
Combine the cranberry-infused vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Stir until chilled and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cranberry Cosmopolitan
A classic cosmopolitan cocktail gets a boost of flavor with cranberry-infused vodka. The tartness of the cranberries balances perfectly with the sweetness of the Cointreau and lime juice.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberry-infused vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Cointreau | 3/4 oz |
| Cranberry juice | 1/2 oz |
| Fresh lime juice | 1/2 oz |
| Orange twist | 1 |
Combine the cranberry-infused vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cranberry Gimlet
A vodka gimlet is a classic cocktail that gets a unique twist with cranberry-infused vodka. The lime and cranberries go beautifully together, adding complexity to the sourness of the cocktail.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberry-infused vodka | 2 oz |
| Fresh lime juice | 1 oz |
| Simple syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Lime wheel | 1 |
Combine the cranberry-infused vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cranberry Spritzer
If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler cocktail, a cranberry spritzer is a great option. The cranberry-infused vodka shines in this drink, paired with a splash of sparkling water.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberry-infused vodka | 1 1/2 oz |
| Sparkling water | 4 oz |
| Lime wheel | 1 |
Combine the cranberry-infused vodka and sparkling water in a glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled and garnish with a lime wheel.
In conclusion, cranberry-infused vodka is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor to your cocktails. Whether you’re making a classic Moscow Mule or a simple spritzer, the tart flavor of the cranberries is sure to impress. So go ahead, infuse your vodka, and shake up your cocktail game.
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