About the Recipe
Make homemade berry yuzu infused vodka with fresh berries and fragrant yuzu peel for vibrant cocktails, spritzers, and handcrafted gifts.
Sweet mixed berries and aromatic yuzu create a smooth, vibrant homemade vodka with layers of juicy fruit and bright citrus flavor. This colorful infusion is delicious served over ice or mixed into cocktails, spritzers, and other refreshing drinks.
Yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit known for its distinctive combination of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin notes. Its floral fragrance and pleasantly tart flavor balance the natural sweetness of the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries without overwhelming the berries.
Making homemade berry yuzu infused vodka requires only a few ingredients and a short steeping period. As the mixture rests, the vodka draws color, aroma, and flavor from the fresh fruit and citrus peel, producing a handcrafted spirit without artificial flavoring.
Enjoy this berry yuzu vodka in seasonal cocktails, combine it with sparkling water or tonic, or package it in a decorative bottle for a thoughtful homemade gift. Its jewel-toned color and lively fruit flavor make it especially appealing for birthdays, holidays, and summer celebrations.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Infusing Time: 5 to 7 days
Total Time: 5 to 7 days, 15 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups
Ingredients
750 ml premium vodka
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 medium yuzu
1 tablespoon fresh yuzu juice
1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup, optional
1 sterilized 1-quart glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Berries
Wash the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries thoroughly. Place them on clean paper towels and allow them to dry completely. Removing excess water helps prevent unnecessary dilution of the vodka.
Step 2: Prepare the Yuzu
Wash and dry the yuzu. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the thin yellow outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Juice the yuzu and measure 1 tablespoon of fresh juice.
Step 3: Fill the Jar
Place the prepared strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, yuzu peel, and yuzu juice in the sterilized glass jar.
Step 4: Add the Vodka
Pour the vodka over the fruit and yuzu, making sure the ingredients are completely submerged. Add the honey or simple syrup, if desired, and stir gently with a clean utensil.
Step 5: Infuse the Vodka
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 5 to 7 days. Gently shake the sealed jar once a day to redistribute the ingredients and encourage an even infusion.
Step 6: Taste the Infusion
Begin tasting the vodka after 5 days using a clean spoon. If you would like a more pronounced berry flavor, continue infusing it for up to 2 additional days.
Avoid leaving the fresh fruit in the vodka for an extended period because it will continue to soften and break down.
Step 7: Strain the Vodka
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a clean bowl or measuring pitcher and line it with cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. Pour the infused vodka through the prepared strainer. Let it drain naturally without pressing or squeezing the fruit, which could make the finished vodka cloudy.
Discard the strained berries and yuzu peel.
Step 8: Bottle and Store
Transfer the strained berry yuzu infused vodka to a clean, airtight bottle.
Refrigerate it to help preserve its flavor and freshness. The fruit and citrus flavors will continue to mellow and blend as the vodka rests.
Notes
Use fully ripe, flavorful berries for the brightest color and best natural fruit flavor.
Frozen berries may be substituted when fresh berries are unavailable. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the jar.
Remove only the colorful outer portion of the yuzu peel. White citrus pith can give the finished vodka an unpleasant bitter flavor.
Yuzu can vary in size and juiciness. Measure the juice rather than adding all the juice from the fruit.
Honey may take longer than simple syrup to dissolve. Stir it into a small amount of vodka before adding it to the jar if necessary.
Add a few fresh blackberries for a deeper berry color and a slightly richer fruit flavor.
Serve the infused vodka over ice or combine it with sparkling water, lemonade, tonic water, ginger beer, or citrus soda. It can also be used in martinis, berry cocktails, and citrus spritzers.
For a clearer infusion, strain the vodka a second time through a fresh coffee filter before bottling it.
Keep the finished vodka refrigerated in a clean, tightly sealed bottle. Because homemade infusion conditions vary, inspect it before serving and discard it if you notice mold, unusual cloudiness, pressure, or an off odor.
Do not eat the strained fruit because it will contain a significant amount of alcohol.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
