Great Escape: Infuse Your Spirits

This time of year, many varieties of our favorite fruits are at their peak and also at their least expensive. Take advantage of the season with these summery cocktail recipes using fresh fruit. Make a large batch and share with your fellow moms for a wonderful summer escape.

Fruit-Infused Vodka

The fun part about flavoring vodka with fruit is you can pick your favorite flavors and experiment with new ones. Choose berries, citrus fruits like lemons or oranges, or a melon mixture.

• 1 liter of quality vodka (though pricier, the flavor will benefit from a good vodka)
• Fruit of choice (for larger fruits, use 2-4 pieces, for smaller berries, use 2-4 handfuls)
• Sugar, optional

Wash your fruit well and remove any stems and seeds. Remove the peels on oranges. For larger fruit, cut into small pieces or chunks. Berries can remain whole, but bruise delicate ones, and slice small cuts into harder ones like blueberries. Add the fruit to a glass airtight container. Pour in the vodka. If you like things a little sweeter, or to speed up the infusing process, add a layer of sugar or simple syrup. Let sit in the refrigerator or a cool corner away from sunlight for around three to four days.

Sangria

Like the infused vodka, you can use a variety of different fruits depending on your taste or what you have on hand. This recipe is sweet enough to be very refreshing, but not too sweet.

• 1 bottle of light red wine like Pinot Noir or Syrah
• 1 ½ oz. brandy
• 2 tbs. sugar
• Fruit of choice

In a large container, combine fruit with brandy and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour wine into mixture slowly, stirring gently. Refrigerate sangria for two hours or overnight.

If you’re looking for fun refreshing drinks, without the work, visit Vive le Vine’s wine bar and try their own homemade infused vodkas, or try s frozen drink mixes.