Infused Spirits

Infusing spirits with flavor is a great way to experiment with your own personal tastes. The basic concept is to marry a variety of choice flavors into a base liquor to create a custom-flavored spirit. You can give your spirit a subtle hint of spice or deep, aromatic notes of flavor simply by choosing how long you let your infusion sit. Follow these guidelines for best results:

• Strong flavors, such as hot peppers, vanilla pods, and lavender buds, only need from a few hours to a day.
• Fresh herbs, ginger, and citrus peels need 1 to 3 days, tops.
• Most fruits and berries need 3 to 6 days.
• Vegetables and hardy fruits, such as apples and pears, need 5 to 7 days.

Here is a recipe to get you started.
Goji Berry Infused Vodka

1 cup vodka
1/2 cup dried goji berries

Combine the vodka and goji berries in a sealable glass jar and store in a dark, cool place for 1 week. Shake periodically to distribute the flavors. Remove the goji berries. Strain and store. (You can use the vodka soaked gojis in your Superfruit Sangria)