VODKA FUSION:

Vodka infused with the flavors of your choice

Infused vodkas are hot, and with good reason: They're easy, and they taste great!

Mandarin-orange, pepper, vanilla, cinnamon… there are lots of taste sensations available. Use them to create martinis with a twist, or to try a variation on these vodka favourites:

• Harvey Wallbanger

• Russian Rob Roy

• Sea Breeze

• Screwdriver

Flavouring vodka has been around nearly as long as vodka itself. In fact, eastern Europeans have been using fruits and herbs and spices to flavour vodka since the 15th century. Usually known as infusion, this process is also known as maceration, or percolation.

The flavour combinations are endless. Vodka, a neutral spirit, invites lots of experimentation. Create your own vodka fusion following the simple steps below. It's easy!

Create a Vodka <in> Fusion!

1. Pick a good-quality vodka to ensure a good base.
   
2. Select ingredients to generate the flavour sensation you are hoping to capture. Choose a combination of fresh fruit, spices and herbs. (see suggestions below)
   
3. Use a clean, fully sealable glass bottle large enough to contain the vodka and fruit. The bottle must be clean and have a tight seal. The size and nature of the ingredients being infused will dictate the size of the container needed. You can also use the original vodka bottle itself (pour out about a cup of the vodka and save for a rainy day) if the ingredients are small enough to fit (i.e. pepper, cinnamon sticks). 
   
4. Insert cut-up pieces of your infusion ingredient(s) into the glass bottle.
   
5. Reseal the bottle tightly and lay it on its side, out of direct sunlight. Plan to "steep" the bottle between 24 and 48 hours for most ingredients. Some ingredients may take a week or longer. Taste periodically until you've reached your desired flavor.
   
6. When your infusion is complete, remove and discard your flavoring ingredients (this may require pouring through a strainer). The bottle should be sealed and stored in either the fridge or freezer.