Homemade Spiced Vodka
This Homemade Spiced Vodka is sweetened with a bit of maple syrup and flavored with warming cinnamon, cloves, juniper berries, star anise and allspice!
Vodka infusions are my latest obsession. There’s just something extremely satisfying about using a bottom shelf bottle of vodka to create something extraordinarily refreshing and delicious. The spice infused vodka I’m sharing today is one of my all time favorites and uses just a handful of ingredients that I always have on hand.
Key ingredients
Vodka infusions are incredibly simple. You just need a bottle of vodka, a quart-sized mason jar and a handful of ingredients for flavor. Here’s what I used to make this version:
- Vodka: Don’t go for anything super fancy. It doesn’t need to be the most expensive bottle on the shelf — just a decent quality vodka will do.
- Spices: I used a mixture of toasted whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, juniper, star anise and allspice. You can adjust the spices to taste or even leave one or two out. Just make sure not to add too many more spices as the flavor can be too intense.
- Maple syrup: After the mixture has been infused and strained, the last step is to add a tablespoon or two of sweetener. I used maple syrup here, but honey is also a good option!
Steeping time and storage
I generally steep this spice infused vodka for just two to three days.
That being said, the readiness of the infusion depends heavily on preference. I highly recommend taste testing every few days and straining the mixture when it has developed a flavor that suits your taste.
The strained vodka can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 months.
How to use spiced vodka
Here are my favorite ways to use homemade spiced vodka:
- Make the ultimate vodka cranberry. Just add cranberry juice (or try it with my homemade Cranberry Drink) and ice!
- Top with club soda. Add a splash of fresh lime juice or citrus peel for extra flavor.
- Make a spiced Moscow Mule. Mix with ginger beer and lime juice for a festive spiced cocktail!
More infused vodka recipes
Spiced Vodka Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 bottle
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Infusion
- Cuisine: Global
Ingredients
- 750 ml vodka
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 5 juniper berries
- 4 allspice berries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, cloves, star anise, juniper berries and allspice. Toast for one or two minutes until fragrant. Make sure not to burn!
- Place the spices in a large jar and pour in the vodka. Seal and let steep for three days in a cool place.
- Strain the vodka into a clean bottle and discard the spices. Add the maple syrup and shake well.
- Refrigerate and serve cold.
Notes
Storage: Strained and sweetened spiced vodka can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 months.
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