Homemade Infused Tequila

I went through a period in college where I thought that cherry-flavored vodka was the bee's knees. My friends and I would drink it with diet coke, and think that we were super classy for making such delicious "cocktails."

Ahh, the good old days.

Today, I look at cocktails a little bit differently.

I prefer using real ingredients, like fresh squeezed juice instead of pre-packaged mixers. And my latest obsession? Making my own infused liquor instead of buying the sticky-sweet pre-made stuff. If you're a marshmallow-flavored vodka-type person, no worries. I don't judge. But I will say this: the flavor of liquor infused with fresh fruit, herbs and spices is like a totally different experience.

Intrigued?

Go ahead and try making infused tequila and you'll see for yourself. I recently made my own batch of infused tequila. And because I was too indecisive to pick one flavor combination, I decided to go with three:

~ Strawberry Basil for a fresh taste of spring
~ Pineapple Jalapeño for a tropical kick
~ Grapefruit Cinnamon for a citrusy-yet-savory combo


And in a nutshell? Totally a success!

I was really pleased with the results, but I wanted to give these infused tequilas the ultimate test. So naturally, I brought them out for our friends to taste test at the last group dinner party. For variety (and because not everyone likes to sip tequila straight), I also brought sparkling water, grapefruit juice and orange juice.

It's safe to say our friends had a blast mixing and matching their own cocktails. I was sort of hoping there would be a clear winner – but everyone had their own favorites for different reasons. So, I have to share all three flavor ideas.

With Cinco De Mayo right around the corner, this would make a pretty fabulous alternative addition to tequila shooters or margaritas. What flavors are you going to mix up?

Homemade Infused Tequila

1 cup of desired infusion ingredients, ex: fresh strawberries and basil leaves, pineapple chunks and sliced jalapeños, grapefruit slices and cinnamon sticks or your own fun combination
3 cups tequila

Wash and prep infusion ingredients. Add to glass container along with tequila, and screw lid on tight. Let jar sit on counter (out of sun) for 3-5 days, taste-testing each day to achieve desired flavor. When tequila is properly infused, strain and re-bottle. And that's it. Enjoy responsibly :)