The holidays are a time for drinking and indulging. That’s why we never feel bad about stuffing our faces with things like candy canes, gingerbread cookies, and a few other favorites. But you know us, we’re not just eating these sweets, we’re putting them in our booze.
Infusing your own spirits always tastes better, especially when holiday flavors are involved. We’ve done our fair share of DIY infusing in our drinking days – Sour Patch Kids booze, dishwasher vodka and even hot peppers. Here are our favorite holiday infusions that you can start making now to drink in time for Christmas.
Candy Cane Vodka
This minty vodka is perfect for your candy cane martinis or a few peppermint shots before the entire family comes over. You’ll need:
- Mini candy canes
- Vodka
- Mason jars
Crush 8-10 mini candy canes and place in the bottom of a mason jar. Add vodka to the jar and seal tightly. You don’t want to use your top shelf bottle but make sure it’s something that you enjoy drinking. Let the jars sit for three days minimum, the longer they infuse the better they taste. If you start now, this vodka will be done right in time for Christmas Eve cocktails.
Gingerbread Whiskey
Gingerbread cookies are a staple during the holiday season. Sure they make for a great dessert but they make even better whiskey. Even though you don’t use any actual gingerbread cookies in this recipe, the whiskey tastes just like them. Aka more cookies for you to eat or dunk in your whiskey. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 cups whiskey
- Brown sugar
- Ginger root
- Vanilla extract
- Mason jars
Heat whiskey in a saucepan and add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is melted completely, place the mixture in a mason jar and then set aside to cool. While the mixture is cooling, peel your ginger root. If you’re struggling with this (like we did) try these tips. Add a 2-3 in. piece of ginger root and a splash of vanilla extract to the mason jar of whiskey and set aside. You’ll be drinking gingerbread whiskey in no time.
Ribbon Candy Bourbon
Whenever Christmas rolls around, our grandparents fill every bowl, dish and plate with ribbon candy. It’s a holiday classic, even though it always breaks into a million pieces the second you pick it up. We’re adding it to our bourbon this year to spice things up. We suggest using the cinnamon or orange flavors depending on what you prefer. You’ll need:
- 2-3 pieces of ribbon candy
- Bourbon
- Mason jars
Fill mason jar with bourbon of your choice but make sure it’s something you can sip on the rocks. The best part about ribbon candy is that it dissolves almost immediately after hitting the bourbon so there’s no need to crush these candies up. Seal the jar tightly and set the bourbon aside for a few days. When you’re ready, pour yourself a nice glass or add it to your Hot Toddy.
What favorite holiday flavors are you infusing your spirits with this year? Share your recipes below.