Vanilla vodka is one of the tastiest and most versatile infusions you can make. Not only is it a way to put a twist on a common drink, it’s super easy! All you’ll need for to make this recipe is funnel, coffee filter and a second 750ml bottle (with cap) that has been thoroughly cleaned and re-labeled. We suggest trying this infusion in Chocolate Martini or even try making your own vanilla bourbon by using … Read more

Good quality ingredients produce a good quality product, that’s why there is a good reason you have a favorite vodka. Your favorite brand doesn’t cheat you on quality, so you shouldn’t go for cheap ingredients when you decide to try out your own DIY recipes at home.

The winter season produces a lot of citrus fruits including tangerines, mandarin, oranges and grapefruit. Because fresh fruit equals fresh flavors, now is a great time to take … Read more

Homemade holiday gifts are often the best! Aside from saving you a little money, they show the person getting the gift that you took the time out of your busy schedule to make something by hand with care. These DIY infusions and garnishes are simple and delicious. You even have enough time left before Christmas to experiment with your own variations on my recipes.

Of course, any of these homemade treats would pair well with … Read more

‘Tis the season for cranberries! This homemade cranberry liqueur has a bright flavor and beautiful color, making it a delightful DIY holiday gift. It’s easy to make yet still impressive enough to share.

You can play with flavors a bit by adding vanilla or cinnamon to your batch. Use it in a Cosmopolitan or a creation of your own! (For ideas on how to design your own drinks, check out DIY Cocktails.)

This recipe makes … Read more

The scent and taste of cinnamon conjure warm holiday memories. And since everything is better with booze, why not add the magic of cinnamon to your vodka?

You could use it in place of plain vodka in recipes where cinnamon would be a desirable twist, such as ones with apple, cranberry, pear, honey or cream flavors. Maybe try it in some Yule Tide Punch. (To learn how to design your own recipes, check out our … Read more

It’s Fall, dammit! Time to get cozy with some autumnal booze.

The great thing about this simple apple-vanilla bourbon is that it’s so flexible: You can drink it alone, in a Manhattan or in a new creation of your own. (To learn how to design your own recipes, check out our book: DIY Cocktails.)

Granny Smith apples give a bright, pie-like flavor to the infusion. You can use any kind of apple, but sweeter apples … Read more

Figs are in season where I live (and in most of the US), so now is a great time to use this delightful fruit in cocktails. You can even enjoy this fig infusion long after the season is over!

The flavor of this fig bourbon is perfect for Fall and holiday drinks. Try it in a Manhattan or with a little soda and a squeeze of lemon. I use Black Mission figs, but you can … Read more

Every Halloween, We get a bunch of emails from people looking for pumpkin liqueur for their pumpkin martinis.  You can make your own DIY Pumpkin Liqueur, but there are few good pumpkin liqueurs on the market that will do in a pinch. That’ll give you more time to work on your Darth Maul costume.

Bols Pumpkin Smash
Yes! It is back in the US. Pumpkin Smash is a unique combination of pumpkin, spices and cinnamon.

… Read more

Inspired by a delicious rum that brings to mind a scotch, today’s drink is a Rum Old Fashioned. We’ve reviewed Brugal 1888 and found it to be a sipping rum complex enough to please whiskey aficionados. So why not try it in the ultimate whiskey drink?

Adding a little sugar and bitters to Brugal 1888 draws out the sweet notes while maintaining the rum’s deep smoky and spicy flavors. I highly recommend you get your … Read more

If fall weather is putting you in a romantic mood, here’s the perfect champagne cocktail for the occasion.

This week’s drink uses orgeat, a floral almond syrup that adds a richness and silkiness to an already great combination: sparkling wine and rum. I suggest you take the extra time to make your own orgeat, using our recipe. However, you can also use a well-made orgeat by Small Hand Foods, Okole Maluna or your favorite ingredient … Read more