Make vibrant homemade berry yuzu infused vodka with fresh berries and fragrant yuzu peel for colorful cocktails, spritzers, and handcrafted gifts.
Sweet mixed berries and aromatic yuzu create a smooth, colorful infused vodka with layers of juicy fruit and bright citrus flavor. Strawberries contribute natural sweetness, raspberries add a pleasantly tart note, and blueberries deepen the infusion’s jewel-toned color.
Yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit known for its distinctive combination of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin flavors. Its floral fragrance and lively acidity balance the berries without overpowering them. Using both fresh yuzu peel and juice gives the vodka a more pronounced citrus aroma and a clean, refreshing finish.
This vibrant homemade berry yuzu infused vodka requires only a few ingredients and a short steeping period. As the mixture rests, the vodka draws flavor, color, and fragrance from the berries and citrus peel without the need for artificial flavoring.
Serve this homemade infusion over ice, combine it with sparkling water or tonic, or use it in martinis, spritzers, and other refreshing cocktails. Its beautiful color also makes it a thoughtful homemade gift 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 the excess water helps prevent unnecessary dilution of the vodka.
Hull and halve the strawberries. Leave the raspberries and blueberries whole so they release their flavor gradually as the vodka infuses.
Step 2: Prepare the Yuzu
Wash and thoroughly dry the yuzu. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the thin yellow outer peel. Avoid removing the bitter white pith beneath the peel.
Cut the peeled yuzu and extract its juice. Measure 1 tablespoon of fresh yuzu juice for the infusion.
Step 3: Fill the Jar
Place the prepared strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, yuzu peel, and measured yuzu juice in the sterilized glass jar.
Make sure the jar is large enough to hold the fruit and vodka while leaving a small amount of space at the top.
Step 4: Add the Vodka
Pour the vodka over the berries and yuzu, making sure the fruit and citrus peel are completely submerged.
Add the honey or simple syrup, if desired. Stir the mixture gently with a clean utensil to begin distributing the sweetener.
Step 5: Infuse the Vodka
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 5 to 7 days. Keep the jar away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Gently shake the sealed jar once each day to redistribute the fruit, citrus peel, and optional sweetener. This helps encourage a balanced, even infusion.
Step 6: Taste the Infusion
Begin tasting the vodka after 5 days using a clean spoon. The finished infusion should have a noticeable berry flavor, a bright citrus aroma, and a colorful appearance.
If you prefer a more pronounced berry flavor, allow the vodka to infuse for up to 2 additional days. Avoid leaving the fresh fruit in the vodka for an extended period because the berries will continue to soften and break down.
Step 7: Strain the Vodka
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a clean bowl or measuring pitcher. Line the sieve with cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter.
Pour the infused vodka through the prepared strainer and allow it to drain naturally. Do not press or squeeze the berries because doing so may make the finished vodka cloudy.
Discard the strained berries and yuzu peel. Do not eat the fruit because it will contain a significant amount of alcohol.
Step 8: Bottle and Refrigerate
Transfer the strained berry yuzu infused vodka to a clean, airtight bottle. Seal the bottle tightly and refrigerate it to help preserve its freshness and flavor.
The berry and citrus flavors will continue to mellow and blend as the strained vodka rests.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the berry yuzu infused vodka over ice or use it to prepare cocktails and spritzers. It pairs especially well with sparkling water, lemonade, tonic water, ginger beer, and citrus soda.
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 placing them in the jar.
Remove only the colorful outer portion of the yuzu peel. The white citrus pith can give the finished vodka an unpleasant bitter flavor.
Yuzu fruits can vary in size and juiciness. Measure 1 tablespoon of juice rather than adding all the juice from the fruit.
Honey may take longer to dissolve than simple syrup. If necessary, stir the honey into a small amount of vodka before adding it to the jar.
For a deeper berry color and slightly richer flavor, add a few fresh blackberries to the infusion.
For a clearer finished vodka, strain it a second time through a fresh coffee filter before transferring it to the bottle.
Keep the strained vodka refrigerated in a clean, tightly sealed bottle. Because homemade infusion conditions vary, inspect it before serving. Discard it if you notice mold, unusual cloudiness, pressure, or an off odor.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
