Make vibrant homemade berry lemon infused vodka with fresh berries, fragrant lemon zest, and premium vodka for cocktails, entertaining, or gifts.
Bright, colorful, and wonderfully refreshing, this Vibrant Homemade Berry Lemon Infused Vodka Recipe combines ripe mixed berries, fragrant lemon zest, and smooth premium vodka. The finished infusion has natural berry sweetness, gentle tartness, and a lively citrus finish that makes it a flavorful addition to homemade cocktails.
Strawberries create a sweet, juicy foundation, raspberries contribute a pleasant tang, and blueberries add depth and rich color. Thin strips of fresh lemon zest brighten the mixture without adding the bitterness that can come from the white pith. As the sealed jar rests, the vodka gradually draws out the fruit’s color, aroma, and flavor.
This easy homemade vodka infusion is ideal for summer cocktails, holiday entertaining, and thoughtful homemade gifts. Serve it chilled, pour it over ice, mix it with sparkling water or lemonade, or use it to give martinis and other cocktails a burst of fresh berry and citrus flavor.
Only about 15 minutes of preparation is required. The remaining time is devoted to infusing the vodka in a cool, dark place. Begin tasting it after five days, then continue the infusion until it develops your preferred balance of berry and lemon flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Infusion Time: 5 to 7 days
Total Time: 5 to 7 days, 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 750 ml
Ingredients
1 bottle premium vodka, 750 ml
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
2 medium lemons
1 tablespoon honey, optional
1 large sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Berries
Wash the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries thoroughly. Pat all the berries completely dry with paper towels. Remove the strawberry hulls and slice the strawberries into smaller pieces. Slicing exposes more of the fruit’s surface and helps its flavor infuse into the vodka.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemons
Wash and thoroughly dry the lemons. Use a vegetable peeler to remove thin strips of yellow zest. Avoid removing the bitter white pith beneath the zest, as it can give the finished vodka an unpleasant flavor.
Step 3: Fill the Jar
Place the sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and lemon zest in the sterilized glass jar. If you would like a slightly sweeter infusion, add the optional honey.
Step 4: Add the Vodka
Pour the vodka over the berries and lemon zest. Make sure the fruit is completely submerged in the vodka.
Seal the jar tightly, then gently shake it to combine the ingredients and begin distributing the fruit flavors.
Step 5: Infuse the Vodka
Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark location and allow the vodka to infuse for 5 to 7 days. Gently shake the jar once each day to redistribute the berries and lemon zest and encourage the flavors to infuse evenly.
Step 6: Taste the Infusion
Begin tasting the vodka after the fifth day. If the berry and citrus flavors are strong enough for your preference, proceed with straining. For a more pronounced fruit flavor, allow the vodka to infuse for up to two additional days.
Step 7: Strain the Vodka
Position a fine-mesh strainer over a clean bowl or measuring pitcher. Line the strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter, then slowly pour the infused vodka through it. Allow the liquid to drain completely without pressing the fruit into the vodka. Discard the strained berries and lemon zest.
Step 8: Bottle and Store
Transfer the strained berry lemon infused vodka to a clean, sterilized glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the bottle and store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark cabinet until you are ready to serve it.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the infused vodka chilled or pour it over ice. It can also be combined with sparkling water, lemonade, tonic water, or fruit juice. Use it to bring vibrant berry and lemon flavor to martinis and other fruit-forward cocktails.
Notes
For the brightest flavor, choose fresh, ripe seasonal berries without bruised, damaged, or spoiled areas.
Dry the fruit thoroughly after washing it. Excess water can dilute the vodka and weaken the finished flavor.
Remove only the yellow portion of the lemon zest. The white pith beneath the zest can make the vodka taste bitter.
Choose a smooth, good-quality vodka that you would enjoy drinking on its own or using in a cocktail.
For a stronger citrus flavor, add the zest of a third lemon. Taste the infusion regularly because extended contact with citrus zest may eventually create bitterness.
Frozen berries can be used when fresh berries are unavailable. Thaw and drain them before adding them to the jar. Frozen fruit may produce a cloudier infusion, but it will still provide plenty of berry flavor and color.
The honey is optional. Adding it will create a slightly sweeter infused vodka. The jar may require additional shaking to help the honey dissolve completely.
Keep all the fruit submerged in the vodka during the infusion period. Use clean, sterilized jars, bottles, strainers, and utensils to help protect the quality of the finished drink.
Discard the infusion if it develops mold, an unusual odor, or any other sign of spoilage.
Properly strained and stored, the infused vodka will maintain its best flavor for up to three months.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
