By: Chef Buz Deliere | The Chronic Magazine
Infusing spirits is a great way to enhance cocktails and create unique flavor profiles. From herbs, fruits, and spices to vegetables, the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to what can be infused into spirits. With cannabis being legal in many places, infusing cannabis into your favorite spirit is becoming increasingly popular. Not only does this add an interesting twist to traditional drinks but also has potential health benefits as well. Making cannabis infused spirits at home can be a fun and rewarding experience that will surely impress your friends!
What spirits are right for infusing?
When it comes to infusing spirits with cannabis, the possibilities are vast. From whiskey and gin to vodka, rum, and even tequila there is a spirit out there for everyone's preference. Some of the best spirits for infusing are those that have subtle flavors like vodka or white rum, as these will not overpower the flavor of the cannabis. For a more intense flavor profile, darker liquors such as whiskey or brandy may be used instead.
Additionally, because each spirit has its own unique characteristics, experimenting with different combinations can lead to some truly unique creations! No matter which type of spirit you choose to use for your infusion project, always make sure you take proper safety precautions when working with alcohol and follow any applicable laws in your area. With careful consideration and experimentation, you can create delicious drinks infused with cannabis.
What is needed to make infused spirits?
Creating cannabis infused spirits at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require the right tools and ingredients. To start, you will need to purchase or grow your own cannabis for infusion. High-grade buds are recommended for best results as they contain more terpenes and cannabinoids than other parts of the plant. You will also need a spirit of choice, either store-bought or homemade if desired, along with any additional flavorings such as fruits, herbs, spices, or vegetables that you may want to use in your infusion project.
Finally, you will need an airtight container large enough to hold both the spirit and the cannabis while allowing proper circulation during infusing. With these items on hand, you can begin experimenting with different combinations until you find one that is perfect for your tastes!
What strain should I use for infusing spirits?
When it comes to infusing spirits with cannabis, the strain of cannabis used can have a big impact on the flavor and aroma of your finished product. Different strains will produce different flavors and aromas due to their varying levels of terpenes and cannabinoids. Sativa-dominant strains are known for having higher levels of THC and therefore imparting a more energizing effect, while Indica-dominant strains contain more CBD which has calming effects. Hybrid strains are somewhere in between the two, providing both energizing and calming effects depending on their ratio of sativa to indica genetics.
Strains with citrus and floral terpenes are great choices when infusing, I like to use Sour Diesel for my infused spirit. With so many options available, experimenting with different types of cannabis is an excellent way to find the perfect strain that suits your desired flavor profile!
How to prepare your ingredients for infusing
Preparing the fruits and vegetables for infusing is a simple but important step in creating cannabis infused spirits. It's essential to ensure that all produce is fresh and free of any contaminants before using it in an infusion project. Fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with cold water prior to use. For harder fruits or vegetables such as carrots or apples, they can be peeled and diced into small cubes for easier infusing.
If you are working with citrus fruits such as lemons or limes, make sure to remove any seeds so that they do not disrupt the flavor of your infusion. Taking these steps will help guarantee that your finished product has the best possible flavor profile!
How long do the ingredients stay in the spirits?
How long do the ingredients need to stay in the spirit? The answer varies depending on what you’re infusing, as different ingredients require different amounts of time for their flavors and aromas to fully infuse into the spirit. Generally speaking, herbs, spices, and fruits should be left in the spirit for at least one week before tasting or using in cocktails. Vegetables such as carrots may take up to two weeks or more for their flavors and aromas to fully develop.
Ingredients like jalapeno and other hot peppers only require a couple of hours to infuse into spirits. Cannabis can also be infused into spirits but requires special consideration due to its potency; it should generally be left in the spirit for no longer than a week before tasting to see if it has the desired flavor profile you are looking for. With careful attention paid to each ingredient used, anyone can create delicious cannabis infused spirits!
How to properly store infused spirits
Once you have finished infusing your spirits, it is important to properly store the product in order to ensure its freshness and flavor. The best way to store infused spirits is in an airtight container that has been sealed tightly with a lid or stopper. This will help keep out any oxygen or light which could break down the ingredients over time and affect the taste of your infused spirit.
Additionally, it’s important to store infused spirits away from direct sunlight and heat sources as this can also cause spoilage. If possible, place the container in a cool dark area such as a pantry or cupboard for optimal storage conditions. Finally, make sure you label each bottle clearly with what type of spirit was used for infusion and when it was created so that you can easily identify them later on! With these tips in mind, anyone can create delicious cannabis infused drinks at home!
Can cannabis tinctures be used to make infused cocktails?
THC tinctures are a great way to make infused cocktails. These concentrated forms of cannabis can be added directly into drinks, allowing for precise dosing and easier mixing into your favorite recipes. THC tinctures also provide an easy and discreet way to enjoy cannabis-infused drinks without having to worry about the smell or taste of raw plant material in your beverage. This makes it even easier to create delicious cannabis-infused cocktails that taste just as good as their non-cannabis counterparts!
Let's make Cannabis infused spirits
1. Gather your ingredients – 7 grams of high-grade cannabis, 750Ml spirit of choice (whiskey or brandy), fruits, herbs, spices, and/or vegetables
2. Wash all produce with cold water to ensure it is free from contaminants
3. Peel and dice any hard fruits or vegetables into small cubes for easier infusing
4. Remove seeds from citrus fruits such as lemons or limes before using them in the infusion project
5. Place the desired amount of cannabis into an airtight container that is large enough to hold both the spirit and the cannabis while allowing proper circulation during infusing
6. Pour in your chosen spirit until it covers all of the cannabis completely
7. Add any additional flavorings such as fruits, herbs, spices, or vegetables if desired
8. Seal the container tightly and store in a cool dark place for 1 week (for herbs/spices/fruits) up to 2 weeks (for vegetables) or a couple of hours (for jalapeno) depending on what you are infusing
9 . Taste test after 1-2 weeks to see if it has reached your desired flavor
10 . Strain out solids through cheesecloth before serving
Don't forget to label, date, and properly store your infused spirit, make sure to keep it out of reach from any children.
Comments