Cranberry Vodka Infusion (Homemade Flavored Vodka Gifts)
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As beautiful as it is delicious, Cranberry Vodka Infusion is not only insanely simple to make, but also makes a gorgeous and delightful gift for any cocktail lover! Crisp vodka, fresh tart cranberries, and hints of citrus are the ultimate combo for homemade infused vodka.
Stock up on fresh, healthy cranberries; they aren’t just for Ah-mazing cranberry vodka infusions! Try the best Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe, bakery-style Cranberry Pecan Muffins, or decorative and delicious snacking Sugared Cranberries.
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Table of Contents
Why Homemade Cranberry Vodka Infusions Work!
You know that holiday headache thing? When you remember THAT person, the one who has everything, wants or needs “nothing” (ha! that’s nothing more than a challenge, and you know it!), and all that cheer oozes right on out of you? DIY cranberry vodka infusion is the perfect solution.
- Ah-mazing full-flavored cranberry vodka and none of the sugar.
- Full of fresh fruit, no artificial flavors or color.
- DIY vodka infusion gifts can be as prettied up as you like!
- Three steps, three ingredients; simple mix, sit, and bottle.
- Thoughtful and creative homemade cranberry infusion is happiness in a jar!
Three Simple Ingredients For Cranberry Infused Vodka
It’s mind-twirling how quickly fresh cranberry season comes and goes each year, so you’ll want to hop on the DIY vodka infusion train quick!
- Fresh Cranberries – rinsed, drained, and dried.
- Vodka – the best choice is the brand you drink and enjoy!
- Large Orange – you only need the rind.
Supplies:
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- Wide-mouth jar. As far as jar size goes, a 750ml bottle of vodka is just under one quart (25.4 ounces). If you want to infuse an entire bottle, a 2-quart (64-ounce) jar will leave room for your cranberries and orange rinds.
- Food chopper or food processor.
- Fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth (or coffee filter) to strain the vodka into a clean jar or bowl.
- Funnel. You may need this if you want to fill smaller jars for gifting.
Three Simple Steps To Make Cranberry-Infused Vodka
A unique vodka fruit infusion is sure to be a hit as one of your holiday liquor offerings or a welcomed homemade flavored vodka gift! Cranberry-infused vodka turns budget vodka into a top shelf. JK, but almost!
When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Step 1: Chop ½ of the cranberries into big chunks, rind the orange, and put it all into a large jar with the vodka, closing the lid tightly.
- Step 2: Let the vodka infusion sit in a cool dark place for a week, shaking daily.
- Step 3: Use a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter to strain the infused vodka into a bowl, pretty bottle, or decorative jar with tight lids for gifting.
Three Key Tips For A Fabulous Homemade Cranberry Vodka Infusion
#1 Tip when making cranberry orange-infused vodka remember to thoroughly clean your bottles and jars. It’s best to start with everything squeaky clean. (Blessings to the inventor of the non-human dishwasher.)
#2 Tip for gifting cranberry-infused vodka, you don’t need to blow your budget on the vodka. Top shelf isn’t necessary. Go with a good mid-range vodka, or whatever brand you or your recipient enjoy.
#3 Tip is to use a spoon to nip a little taste to see if your cranberry vodka infusion is ready. If not, check again the next day! Oh, if you think a second nip is “needed,” to be doubly sure, use another clean spoon!
#4 Bonus Tip is knowing your fruit or vegetable/herbs when making vodka infusions at home. Firmer winter fruits typically take longer than soft summer fruits in homemade infused vodka flavors.
Cranberry Infused Vodka FAQs
Yes, or no. You’ll find fresh cranberry-infused vodka recipes that go both ways. I recommend cranberry-infused vodka without sugar. Remember, most alcohol usually isn’t sweet when crafting cocktails; it comes from the added ingredients, like simple syrup.
Cranberries should be rinsed, drained, and dried before use in most recipes. Spread cranberries on a sheet pan lined with a clean, lint-free dish towel or paper towels to dry quickly.
Taste it? 🙂 Vodka infusions with softer summer fruits can be ready in three or four days. Durable fall fruits usually take a week for DIY vodka infusions. A small taste with a clean spoon will help monitor the vodka infusion’s progress.
Homemade Cranberry Vodka Variations
This cranberry-infused vodka recipe doesn’t need anything else and is excellent as-is.
If you really want to change up the flavor profile of this vodka infusion recipe a bit, try adding a cinnamon stick, apples, or vanilla bean.
It’s also fun to create a flight of DIY vodka infusion flavors for special friends or as a delightful hostess gift! Try lavender-rosemary vodka, lemon vodka, mint, or basil vodka.
What Can I Do With Leftover Vodka-Infused Fruit?
Stop! Listen Up! Keep all the fun boozy fruit from DIY vodka infusions! Why toss those bright, tart cranberries painstakingly (ok, not so much, but they were shaken daily) infused with vodka when you can repurpose them so satisfyingly? After straining them, consider one or more of these ideas:
- Fill an ice cube tray with the fruit and freeze with your choice of liquids: orange juice, cranapple juice, cherry juice, or water.
- Cook the vodka-infused cranberries down with a bit of sugar and water or juice for a glaze or sauce over pound cake or ice cream.
- Use the whole cranberries as garnishes for Rudolf’s Tipsy Spritzer, or German Mulled Wine.
How To Store Cranberry Vodka Infusion
Infusions will lose integrity over time, it’s best to try and consume them within a few months. Beyond that, they will begin to lack flavor and intensity.
It’s best to store your cranberry-infused vodka in a cool dark place, so I like to keep mine perfectly preserved in the refrigerator or freezer.
Cranberries are only available from October – December, so buy plenty and stock up. You can freeze cranberries and make cranberry vodka any time of the year.
Packaging Ideas To Present DIY Flavored Vodka Gifts
I made some holiday gift tags for the bottles of infused vodka I made…..and you can use them too, if you’d like!
Free Printable Cranberry Vodka Tags
Click the button to download and print your free holiday-infused vodka tags.
For personal use only.
- Gorgeous Decanter Bottle
- 8-ounce Mason jars and canning jar labels
- Swingtop bottles with stick-on labels.
Bring along a jar/bottle of homemade cranberry vodka to a holiday party….. the Christmas tree won’t be the only thing getting lit!
What Cocktails Can I Make With Cranberry Vodka
Cranberry Cosmo is my favorite way to use my cranberry-infused vodka. You just add lime juice and rosemary simple syrup.
Red Russian: Simply serve 2 ounces of cranberry vodka over ice.
Cranberry Creamsicle Cocktail: Add 2 ounces of cranberry vodka and 3 tablespoons of half and half to a shaker with ice. Shake for 15-30 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream. Serve with a straw.
Simple sips: add 2 ounces of cranberry vodka infusion to 4-6 ounces lemon or lime sparkling water or ginger ale.
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Cranberry Vodka Infusion
Cranberry Vodka Infusion is not only simple to make, but also makes a delightful gift! Crisp vodka, fresh tart cranberries, and hints of citrus are the ultimate combo for homemade infused vodka.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 4 cups vodka
- Rind from one large orange
Instructions
- Using a food processor, process 2 cups of the cranberries into big chunks.
- Place chopped and whole cranberries in a large jar and pour vodka over cranberries. Add orange rind and close lid. Shake and store in a dark place for one week, shaking daily.
- Strain vodka over a large bowl or pitcher with a cheesecloth lined strainer or sieve.
- Pour strained vodka in a large bottle with a tight lid, or smaller jars for gifting.
Notes
- Infusions will lose integrity over time, it’s best to try and consume them within a few months. Beyond that, they will begin to lack flavor and intensity.
- It’s best to store your cranberry-infused vodka in a cool dark place, so I like to keep mine perfectly preserved in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Cranberries are only available from October - December, so buy plenty and stock up. You can freeze cranberries and make cranberry vodka any time of the year.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 2 ouncesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 147Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used and are just estimates. We encourage, especially if these numbers are important to you, to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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