Learn how to make homemade berry yuzu infused vodka with fresh berries and aromatic yuzu peel. This simple infused vodka recipe is smooth, vibrant, and perfect for cocktails, spritzers, and thoughtful homemade gifts.
There is something special about creating your own infused vodka at home. This Berry Yuzu Infused Vodka combines the sweet, juicy flavor of mixed berries with the bright, floral citrus notes of yuzu to create a beautifully balanced spirit. The result is a smooth, fragrant vodka that is perfect for crafting refreshing cocktails, adding a splash to sparkling water, or creating unique seasonal drinks throughout the year.
Yuzu, a prized citrus fruit from East Asia, offers a flavor that combines hints of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin with delicate floral aromas. When paired with ripe berries, the infusion develops remarkable depth while maintaining a crisp, refreshing finish. The natural sweetness of the berries softens the citrus without overpowering it, allowing every sip to showcase layers of fresh fruit flavor.
Making infused vodka at home is surprisingly simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. After a short steeping period, you will have a handcrafted spirit that rivals premium flavored vodkas while containing only natural ingredients. It also makes an elegant homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special celebrations.
Whether you enjoy it served over ice, mixed into a sparkling cocktail, or incorporated into creative desserts, this berry yuzu infused vodka is a versatile addition to any home bar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Infusing Time: 5 to 7 days
Total Time: 5 to 7 days, 15 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups
750 ml premium vodka
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
½ cup fresh raspberries
½ cup fresh blueberries
1 medium yuzu, thinly peeled with the white pith removed
1 tablespoon fresh yuzu juice
1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup, optional
1 sterilized 1-quart glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries thoroughly. Allow them to dry completely using paper towels. Excess moisture can dilute the vodka and shorten the shelf life of the infusion.
Step 2: Prepare the Yuzu
Wash the yuzu well. Using a vegetable peeler, remove only the thin yellow outer peel while avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the yuzu and measure one tablespoon of fresh juice.
Step 3: Fill the Jar
Place the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, yuzu peel, and fresh yuzu juice into the sterilized glass jar.
Step 4: Add the Vodka
Pour the vodka over the fruit until everything is completely submerged. If desired, stir in the honey or simple syrup for a slightly softer finish.
Step 5: Infuse the Vodka
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark location for 5 to 7 days. Gently shake the jar once each day to help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the infusion.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Begin tasting the vodka after five days. If you prefer a stronger berry flavor, allow it to steep for another one to three days. Avoid infusing for much longer than a week, as the berries may begin to soften excessively.
Step 7: Strain the Infusion
Pour the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bottle. Discard the fruit and yuzu peel.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
Seal the finished berry yuzu infused vodka and store it in the refrigerator or a cool pantry. The flavor will continue to mellow slightly over the next several days.
For the brightest flavor, use fully ripe seasonal berries.
Frozen berries may be substituted if fresh berries are unavailable. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.
Avoid including the white pith from the yuzu peel, as it can make the infusion bitter.
This infused vodka is delicious served over ice, mixed with sparkling water, lemonade, tonic water, ginger beer, or used in martinis and citrus spritzers.
For an even more vibrant berry flavor, add a few blackberries along with the other berries.
Properly strained and stored, the infused vodka will keep for several months.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
