Classic Vanilla-Infused Vodka Recipe

Ingredients

• One whole vanilla bean pod
• 750mL vodka
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Slice the vanilla bean pod in half lengthwise.
2. In a large, clean bottle or jar, add the prepared vanilla bean pod and vodka.
3. After securing the lid, give the vanilla and vodka a firm swirl to mix.
4. Store the containers in a cool, dark place for approximately three to four days, continuing to swirl the container each day.
5. After the days have passed, sample the vodka by pouring it into a glass. If you want more vanilla flavor, allow it to steep longer.
6. Carefully remove the vanilla bean and discard it.
7. Funnel the infused vodka into the second clean bottle, filtering with the cheesecloth.
8. Carefully seal and store in a cool, dark place.

You can use the newly infused vodka right away, but be sure to store any unused vodka tightly sealed in a cool, dark place for approximately one to two years. However, discard it when the flavor diminishes or tastes "off."

Variations of Vanilla-infused Vodka

Vanilla has beautiful soft, sweet, and smooth notes, but keep pushing the envelope by adding other flavors.

• Create a nutty profile and include half to a full cup of coarsely chopped almonds, nutmeg, shelled pistachios, or walnuts.
• Opt for a fruity flavor by incorporating one to two sliced apples, pears, peaches, two to three whole, sliced lemons, a large whole, sliced orange, a cup of pitted and sliced plums, or a cup of hulled and sliced strawberries.
• Make things a little sweeter by adding a quarter to half cup of honey, or go tropical with a cup of coconut. Go gold with caramel and drop in 10 unwrapped caramel candies, or make it a floral experience by adding two to three whole sprigs of fresh lavender.
• Add a spiced or herbaceous flair with two to three whole cinnamon sticks, a tablespoon of cloves, three to four pods of cardamom, or two to three sprigs of rosemary.
• Make your vanilla vodka buzz by adding one third cup of coarsely chopped coffee beans, or add even more complexity by adding a quarter cup of chopped milk or dark chocolate.

Vanilla-Infused Vodka Cocktails

Take your new and classic cocktails to new levels with a smooth vanilla vodka flavor.

Vanilla Bean Martini

Steer away from a classic martini in favor of a creamier, dessert-style vanilla martini.

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces vanilla-infused vodka
• ¾ ounce Irish cream
• ¼ ounce limoncello
• Ice

Instructions

1. Chill a martini glass or coupe.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and limoncello.
3. Shake to chill.
4. Strain into chilled glass.

Vanilla Iced Irish Coffee

Skip the bourbon and breeze right past the burnt tongue with this boozy and very much chilled Irish coffee.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vanilla-infused vodka
• ¾ ounce heavy cream
• ½ ounce cinnamon liqueur
• 5 ounces cold brew or chilled coffee
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, heavy cream, cinnamon liqueur, and chilled coffee.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.

Cat's Meow

A new age spin on the classic bee's knees, the vanilla vodka plays like a dream with the honey notes.

Ingredients

• 1¾ ounces vanilla-infused vodka
• ¾ ounce honey liqueur
• ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon slice and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, honey liqueur, and lemon juice.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with lemon slice and mint sprig.

Vanilla Creamsicle

Beat the heat or dream of summer with a creamsicle in a glass -- and if orange isn't your jam, then go ahead and use pineapple juice.

Instructions

• 2 ounces vanilla-infused vodka
• 3 ounces orange juice
• ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ice
• Orange slice and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, orange juice, and lemon juice.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with orange slice and mint sprig.

Mixers for Vanilla Vodka Drinks

Skip your trip to the grocery store for cocktail ingredients by stirring up a drink with just a mixer or two.

• Lemonade
• Plain club soda
• Flavored club soda, such as lemon, coconut, berry, or peach
• Lemon-lime soda
• Orange soda
• Apple cider
• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Peach nectar
• Honey
• Almond liqueur
• Orange liqueur
• Coffee
• Coconut water
• Elderflower liqueur
• Watermelon juice
• Tea
• Whiskey
• Champagne or prosecco
• Rum
• Simple syrup

Smooth Vanilla-infused Vodka for Dreamy Cocktails

Nothing marries together flavors like smooth and soft vanilla. Its dreamy flavors take any ingredients to a whole new level, and some even become a liquid dessert. Why deny yourself so much delight? There are a lot of vanilla vodka drinks you can try one-by-one.