How to Infuse Vodka Like a Pro – And Why You Should
You ever take a sip of something and think, this could be better? Well, that’s where vodka infusions come in. Vodka is the ultimate blank canvas—it’s smooth, neutral, and just waiting for a little creativity. At Stein Distillery, we love experimenting with flavors, and one of the easiest ways to elevate your cocktail game is by infusing your vodka.
Want to add a floral, citrusy kick to your drinks? Try a hibiscus infusion. Feeling adventurous? Jalapeño vodka will do the trick—just be careful (more on that later). This is one of the simplest bartending tricks out there, but it makes a world of difference in your cocktails.
How Vodka Infusions Work
Infusing vodka is as easy as it sounds—just fresh ingredients, a little patience, and a dark place to let the magic happen. The alcohol extracts the flavors, oils, and aromatics, giving you a unique, full-bodied infusion that transforms whatever cocktail you mix it into.
But here’s the best part—you control the intensity. Want something subtle? Infuse for a couple of days. Want something bold? Let it sit longer. But, and this is important, be careful with spicy infusions—I once let a batch of jalapeño-infused vodka sit for a week, and it was undrinkable.
Step-by-Step: How to Infuse Vodka Like a Pro
Step 1: Pick Your Vodka
Start with a high-quality vodka—something smooth and clean, like Stein Distillery Vodka. Since vodka is neutral, using a well-made spirit ensures a better infusion with no harshness.
Step 2: Choose Your Flavor
The possibilities are endless, but here are some of our go-to infusions:
Floral & Herbal – Hibiscus, lavender, chamomile, rosemary
Fruity – Berries, citrus peel, pineapple, pear
Spiced & Bold – Chai tea, cinnamon sticks, ginger, jalapeño (caution: go easy on this one!)
Step 3: Combine & Store
Add 1-2 cups of your ingredient per 750ml of vodka. Seal in a glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet). Shake lightly once a day
Steeping time:
Delicate flavors (hibiscus, citrus peel) – 72 hours minimum
Bold flavors (jalapeños, ginger, chai) – 1-3 days (taste-test daily!)
Deep infusions (cinnamon, vanilla beans) – Up to 2 weeks
Step 4: Strain & Store
Strain using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Store in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge for up to 3 months
What to Make with Infused Vodka?
Infused vodka isn’t just for sipping—it takes your cocktails to another level. Here are a few to try:
Spring Fling – Hibiscus-infused vodka, fresh lemon juice, honey simple syrup, shaken & served up.
Spicy Mule – Jalapeño-infused vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, served over ice.
Citrus Vodka Martini – Citrus peel-infused vodka, dry vermouth, orange bitters.
Chai White Russian – Chai-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, cream.
Try It at Stein Distillery
Not in the mood to wait days for your vodka to infuse? We get it. That’s why we’re always experimenting with new flavors at Stein Distillery in Joseph, Oregon. Swing by our tasting room, grab a seat, and let us mix you something special.
Got a wild vodka infusion idea? Drop it in the comments—we might just try it next!