Going to a fun summer party or cookout? Bring some infused booze!
When we were invited to a family barbeque, I knew the best thing to bring would be a fun and easy infusion. I had a few weeks, so I knew there would be time to allow the flavors to infuse well. What did we make? Well, because we had blueberries and oranges in the house, I decided to be lazy and just go with whatever was handy. But really, you can come up with any combination you want. While we already had an infusion recipe for Blueberry Gin, we wanted to test out a little easier version. I think you will find this one to be really simple! (No cooking of the berries like the previous version.)
For a summer barbeque, we also wanted to be able to make easy, refreshing cocktails, so we chose an infusion that could easily be made into a simple highball.
Blueberry-Orange Liqueur
3 c. Frozen Blueberries (smashed)*
Zest of 1 Orange
750 mL Clear Liquor – 80 proof (we used Gin, but you could use vodka, rum, cachaça)
1/3 c. sugar
Combine all ingredients into a large glass jar or vessel. Shake well to combine. Infuse for 2-3 weeks or longer, depending on when your party is. Strain and filter, and return to the bottle (or something larger). Now you are ready to party!
*Note: we used frozen berries, as I did in our previous Blueberry Gin, but you could try fresh as well.
For the party, we thought it would be easiest to make Gin & Tonics. And who wouldn’t love a Blueberry-Orange G&T? All you need are a few bottles of tonic, a few lemons (we thought the lemon would go better with the blueberry-orange flavor than lime) and your home-infused booze!
Blueberry-Orange Gin & Tonic
2 oz. Blueberry-Orange Liqueur
4 oz. Tonic
Lemon Wedge
Ice
Fill glass with ice. Add the blueberry-orange liqueur and tonic. Stir well, squeeze the lemon wedge and add to the glass. Alternatively, you could mix up a big batch in a pitcher and let everyone help themselves. (This did not last long at our gathering, so you could make a double or triple batch.)
Now go enjoy your party!
What kind of fun infusions will you bring to summer barbeques and cookouts this year? (Yes, sangria counts…)
Cheers!
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August 1, 2013 at 10:03 am
I like the new combo – well, new for me anyway – I’ve thought of blueberry and lemon but never blueberry and orange!! YUM!
August 2, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Hi Kelli, I think you will love the blueberry-orange flavor combo. The flavor is great in anything… Try making blueberry-orange quick bread, blueberry-orange sauce on top of French toast, etc.
Cheers~
August 1, 2013 at 10:14 am
Yay! Now I want to go out and find a flat of blueberries ASAP. 🙂
August 2, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Hi Eileen, I thought you might like this… If I remember correctly you didn’t want to have to cook the berries like I did with my previous blueberry-gin recipe. I bet you’ve got lots of fun stuff infusing, you always have great ideas!
August 2, 2013 at 8:47 am
This looks wonderful! Love the idea of blueberries with orange.
Kenley
August 2, 2013 at 7:35 pm
Thanks Kenley, have you been infusing any summer berries? Hope you are doing well!
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August 2, 2013 at 1:40 pm
I have been infusing everything in sight! I feel like a squirrel storing up for winter – only mine is all liquid!
August 2, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Hi Pam, that is one of the best things about making so many infusions! You get to enjoy those summer flavors all year long. And a lovely berry liqueur cocktail can be such a great treat in the winter, or fall, or spring, or summer…..
What is your favorite infusion that you have made so far?
Cheers~
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August 3, 2013 at 9:06 pm
Sounds so good, I want to head back to the blueberry patch (but I’m not sure there are any berries left!).
August 4, 2013 at 9:57 am
Thanks! If the blueberry patch is bare, you can use frozen berries. (that’s what we did, but luckily they were local, organic frozen berries.) Maybe the farmers market will still have some? There are some blueberry varieties that ripen later than others… Good luck!
August 14, 2013 at 3:38 am
Can’t wait to try this. I made some plum liqueur with some starting to go plums and it tastes great and the color is a beautiful pink!
August 24, 2013 at 8:41 am
Thanks Kate, I love plum liqueur! I hope you enjoy this one too… Cheers~
August 17, 2013 at 1:03 pm
This sounds delicious. And I really dig your images, especially the first one. Well done!
August 24, 2013 at 8:40 am
Thanks Jack, hope you are having a good summer! Cheers~
August 20, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Looks like a very yummy recipe. Do you store it at room temp while it’s infusing or in the fridge/freezer? I’m looking forward to trying this! 😄
August 24, 2013 at 8:39 am
Thanks Courtney, you can store this at room temperature. The alcohol content is high, so there is o refrigeration required.
Cheers~
September 10, 2013 at 6:24 am
Thanks!!!