As a bartender, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to mix up a drink. One of my favorite trends in the cocktail world right now is infusion.
Infusing liquor with herbs, fruits, and spices can add an extra layer of flavor and complexity to your drink that you just can't achieve by simply mixing ingredients together.
Infusions can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. You can infuse a spirit with just one ingredient, like a vanilla bean or a jalapeño pepper, or you can create a complex blend of herbs and spices for a truly unique flavor profile.
The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes infusion so exciting.
But not all infused cocktails are created equal. Some recipes can be too sweet or overpowering, while others can be too subtle and unremarkable.
That's why I've taken it upon myself to scour the internet and test out a variety of infusion recipes to find the best of the best.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing my top picks for the best infused cocktail recipes out there.
From classic combinations like lavender and gin to unexpected pairings like rosemary and tequila, these cocktails are sure to impress your guests and elevate your mixology game. So grab your shaker and let's get started!
1. French Prince
If you're looking for a unique and approachable infused cocktail recipe, the "French Prince" is a must-try. Created by a Canadian mixologist, this cocktail features the use of a French press as a substitute for the expensive Porthole Infuser.
The clear and flavourful White Owl whisky from Alberta, Canada is the star of the show, complemented by the grape notes of Verjus, the sweetness of honey, and the warmth of cinnamon. Dried apricots and Honey Crisp apples add a fruity touch to the cocktail. Overall, the "French Prince" is a well-balanced and flavourful cocktail that's perfect for impressing guests at a party or simply enjoying at home.
2. Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail to enjoy during the summer, look no further than the Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade. Made with Strawberry Basil Infused Vodka, this cocktail delivers a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that will leave you wanting more. The use of fresh lemons adds an extra layer of flavor that store-bought lemonade simply can't match.
Plus, the fragrant basil and sweet strawberries make this cocktail a true standout. Whether you're sipping it on your front porch or enjoying it with friends at a backyard barbecue, the Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
3. Lemon Vodka Tonic
The Lemon Vodka Tonic is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. The infused vodka is easy to make and adds a unique flavor to the classic tonic cocktail. The light yellow shade of the vodka is a beautiful addition to the drink and the lemon aroma is sure to tantalize your senses.
This cocktail is perfect for those who love a refreshing and tangy drink. It can be enjoyed on its own or added to other cocktails for an extra zing. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail, the Lemon Vodka Tonic is definitely worth trying.
4. Gin Sour With Butterfly Pea
The Gin Sour With Butterfly Pea is a visually stunning cocktail that is sure to impress. Made with Malfy Gin Rosa, grapefruit, pink peppercorn, lavender bitters, and butterfly pea flower simple syrup, this drink is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and botanical flavors.
The addition of pink peppercorn and lavender bitters elevates the drink, giving it a unique and complex taste. The butterfly pea flower simple syrup not only adds a beautiful blue color to the drink, but also a subtle floral note. This cocktail is perfect for those who love gin sours and are looking for a visually impressive drink.
5. Vampire Cynar Negroni
The Vampire Cynar Negroni is a spooky twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, perfect for Halloween parties. It swaps out traditional ingredients for Dry Rye Reposado Gin, Cynar, and strawberry infused Campari, creating a unique and flavorful drink with a sweet earthiness and a hint of midnight color.
The smoking sprig of rosemary garnish adds a toasty herbal note and a cool visual effect, but the real Halloween flair comes from the dry ice added just before serving, creating a spooky white fog that rolls out of the glass. Try this hauntingly delicious cocktail at your next Halloween party and impress your guests.
6. Blackberry Hibiscus Spritzer With Tarragon
The Blackberry Hibiscus Spritzer with Tarragon is a refreshing summer mocktail with a sweet and tart flavor that is perfect for any occasion. It involves brewing hibiscus tea and adding blackberries for a deep sweet flavor.
The tarragon is most noticeable when you make a tarragon simple syrup for flavor and muddle and strain the tarragon with the blackberries and lime juice for aromatics to enhance the flavor. The cocktail is best served with cubed cocktail ice and stirred with a bar spoon that spins to keep the spoon against the glass to prevent your ice from chipping.
7. Cinnamon Grapefruit Paloma
The Cinnamon Grapefruit Paloma is a perfect infusion of fall flavors in a tequila cocktail. It features a cinnamon-infused simple syrup, freshly squeezed grapefruit and orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and a splash of soda water. The cocktail is rimmed with a cinnamon salty sugar, which perfectly balances the lime and salt.
The cinnamon simple syrup is made with cinnamon sticks, giving it a subtle cinnamon-y flavor profile. The addition of soda water adds a little fizz and cuts the sweetness just a tad. This cocktail is refreshing from the citrus and cozy and spicy from the cinnamon, making it a perfect drink for fall. The Cinnamon Grapefruit Paloma is a must-try for anyone who loves tequila cocktails and wants to enjoy the cozy flavors of fall.
8. Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
The Raspberry Mojito Cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito. The use of fresh raspberries in a quick simple syrup adds a burst of color and flavor to the drink, making it a standout among other mojito variations.
The balance of flavors in this cocktail is crucial, and the recipe gets it just right. The raspberry simple syrup can be used in other cocktails as well, making it a versatile ingredient to have on hand.
9. Rice and Saffron
If you're looking for a unique and flavourful cocktail, look no further than the "Rice and Saffron" infused cocktail. Made with Japanese Shochu and infused with saffron, this cocktail is a refreshing change from the usual whiskey-based drinks.
The addition of yuzu juice, ginger, cinnamon, and Lady Londonderry tea give this cocktail a complex and delicious flavour profile. The saffron shines through the longer it sits and infuses, making this a perfect cocktail to sip and savour. If you're looking to try something new and exciting, give the "Rice and Saffron" infused cocktail a try.
10. Lemongrass Gin Cocktail
The Lemongrass Gin Cocktail is a refreshing drink that features a herby simple syrup infused with fresh lemongrass, mint, and ginger. It's a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Lemongrass has magical properties that can help you heal from a broken heart, open your third eye, and increase your psychic abilities. It's also associated with love and lust spells, making it the perfect drink to enjoy with your significant other.
11. Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail
The Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail is a refreshing summer drink that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the floral notes of elderflower. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a light and sweet drink that's not too overpowering.
The addition of cucumber and lime juice gives it a subtle tangy flavor that complements the watermelon and elderflower perfectly. It's a great cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day or to serve at a party. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to try, the Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail is definitely worth a taste.
12. Swedish 75
The Swedish 75 is a Nordic twist on the classic French 75 champagne cocktail. This refreshing drink is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling wine, but what sets it apart is the addition of lingonberry preserves.
The subtle berry tang from the lingonberries adds a unique and delicious flavor to the cocktail.
If you're a fan of champagne-based cocktails, the Swedish 75 is a must-try.
It's simple, elegant, and perfect for any festive occasion. The ingredients are readily accessible, so you can easily make it at home.
Overall, the Swedish 75 is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
Give it a try and experience the Nordic twist on a classic cocktail.
13. Summer in Provence Cocktail
One of the best Infused Cocktail recipes to try this summer is the "Summer in Provence Cocktail". This refreshing and sweet cocktail is a twist on the classic bramble recipe, with the addition of fresh blackberries and a thyme and rosemary infused simple syrup. The cocktail is light, colorful, and perfect for a hot summer day.
The blackberry bramble drink is easy to make and is a crowd-pleaser. The cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and blackberry liqueur, and is garnished with fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme or rosemary. Whether you're hosting a summer party or just looking for a refreshing drink to relax with, the "Summer in Provence Cocktail" is a must-try.
14. Earl Grey Tea Cocktail
The Earl Grey Tea Cocktail is a refreshing drink made with gin, lavender, lemon, and earl grey tea. The use of tea in cocktails is unique and adds a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with other ingredients.
The combination of the gin and tea creates a complex and interesting flavor that is both invigorating and relaxing. The addition of honey simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the flavors perfectly. It's easy to make and perfect for any party or gathering.
15. Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
The Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing and perfectly sweet cocktail that combines the flavors of lemon and lavender. This cocktail is made with just four simple ingredients and is easy to make. The lavender simple syrup adds a unique twist to the classic lemon drop martini.
The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes this cocktail a perfect choice for any occasion. The dried lemon slice and small piece of dried lavender on top of the cocktail add a nice touch of elegance to the drink. If you are a fan of lemon and lavender, this cocktail is definitely worth a try.
16. Breakfast of Champion
"Breakfast of Champion" is an unusual yet delicious cocktail that combines H by Hine Cognac, White Flesh Peaches, Antica Formula Vermouth, and oatmeal-infused milk. The creator of this cocktail was inspired by the concept of cereal milk and decided to experiment with oatmeal-infused milk in a cocktail.
The result is a creamy and smooth drink with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The addition of egg whites gives it a nice foamy top, making it a perfect breakfast-inspired cocktail. This unique infusion of oatmeal and milk may sound strange, but it works wonders in this cocktail. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, "Breakfast of Champion" is definitely worth a sip.
17. Watermelon Rosé Slushy
The Watermelon Rosé Slushy, also known as Frosé, is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that is perfect for a summer day. Made with frozen rosé wine, watermelon, and ice cubes, this cocktail is easy to make and can be adjusted to your liking.
The sweetness of the watermelon perfectly complements the dryness of the rosé, creating a balanced and flavorful drink. This cocktail is perfect for parties or a weekend treat with friends. If you're looking for a new cocktail to try, the Watermelon Rosé Slushy is definitely worth a shot.
