Winter Warming Cocktail Infusion Kit

If you like the idea of ​​cozy winter cocktails that can be served with almost zero effort, then these dehydrated cocktail kits are perfect for you.

In this post, we’ll share how to make a Winter Warming Cocktail Infuser Kit. You prepare a jar with dried fruit, spices and sugar, then add whiskey or dark rum at least overnight so it can slowly infuse into the refrigerator. When happy hour rolls around, all you have to do is strain and pour.

These jars look beautiful, are easy to assemble, and make great low-cost holiday gifts. They're perfect as a hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or taken to a winter cabin for a weekend or camping trip.

In addition to the classic winter warmer set, you'll also find some other flavor pairing ideas below. The recipe card at the bottom is for a winter warmer version.

How the Cocktail Infusion Kit Works

The basic idea is simple:

1. Layer dry ingredients into jars: Add dried fruit, spices and sugar to clean, completely dry jars.
2. Add wine ahead of time: When you're ready to infuse, fill the jar with wine. For winter warmth, we recommend whiskey, bourbon or dark rum.
3. Let it pour into the refrigerator: Seal the jar and refrigerate Stay overnight at leastideally 24 to 72 hoursso the flavor can be infused.
4. Strain and serve: Once your desired flavor is achieved, strain out the fruits and spices. The infused liquor can be served over ice or used as the base for a simple cocktail.

notes: These are not “instant” cocktails. Plan to add alcohol at least a day or two ago You want to serve them.

what do you need

To make a batch of cocktail infusion kit, you will need:

• jar: Clean, completely dry jars with lids (pint size or 16 oz. wide mouth jar work smoothly)
• Dehydrated fruits: orange, applepears, lemons, cherries, etc.
• Whole spices: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, allspice berries, cardamom pods, fresh ginger slices (dried), etc.
• Sugar cube: Regular sugar cubes, or sugar cubes presoaked in bitters and dried in a dehydrator
• Label: Attention to taste and suggested wine

Use vacuum seal jars devices like this Extends the life of the kit – This is especially useful when making it as a gift!

How to Assemble an Infusion Kit

1. Start with a clean, dry jar: Make sure the jars and lids are completely dry. Moisture will shorten the shelf life of the kit.
2. Layer the ingredients: Add the dried fruit, spices and sugar cubes to the jars in layers. This makes the jar look pretty and helps the flavors evenly distribute after the wine is added.
3. Seal the jar: Place the lid on and tighten. At this point, as long as everything inside is completely dry, the jar will be stable for a while.
4. Store Dry Kits: These kits will stay fresh for approximately 1 month when sealed in a glass bottle and stored in a cool, dry place. If you vacuum seal the jars, they will last 6 months or more.

How to infuse

When you are ready to infuse:

1. Add wine: Open the jar and pour in the wine of your choice until it reaches just below the rim.
2. Inject into the refrigerator: Seal the jar and shake gently. Place it in the refrigerator and let it soak for a few days. After about 3 days, start tasting.
3. Strain and store: Once the flavor is where you want it, strain out the fruit and spices and discard them. Pour the infused wine back into the jar or clean bottle.
4. Shelf life: Infused wine can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months.

Storage and safety precautions

• Make sure all fruits are completely dry before assembling the kit. Any moisture will shorten shelf life and may lead to mold.
• Store dry kit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Once infused, store the wine in a cool, dark cupboard or refrigerator.
• If anything smells bad, has visible mold, or looks suspiciously cloudy, err on the side of caution and discard.

Flavor combinations to try

Here are some of our favorite flavor combinations to start with. The amount is flexible, so feel free to adjust based on jar size and personal taste.

Warmth in winter (selected)

• dried orange slices
• Dried apple slices
• dried ginger slices
• cinnamon stick
• star anise
• whole cloves
• Allspice berries
• sugar cube (Add a few cups of bitters and/or vanilla and let dry)
• injection: whiskey or rum
• Serve: Serve over ice or warm gently with hot water for a toddy-style drink.

old fashioned

• dried orange slices
• Sugar cubes presoaked with bitters
• Dried cherries
• cinnamon stick
• injection: whiskey or bourbon
• Serve: Serve over ice and extra orange zest, if available.

spiced apples

• Dried apple slices
• whole cloves
• cinnamon stick
• star anise
• sugar cube
• injection: Whiskey, rum or vodka
• Serve:Top it with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter drink, mix with a splash of warm apple cider, or drink it straight over ice.

sweet orange

• dried orange slices
• cinnamon stick
• whole cloves
• star anise
• Allspice berries
• Cardamom pods, cracked
• sugar cube
• Infusion: whiskey, brandy or rum
• How to drink: Serve hot or over ice, or mix with some hot apple cider/juice.

Mulled wine variations:Instead of infusing the wine, add the contents of the jar and a bottle of red wine to the saucepan. Cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then serve hot.

Spiced Vanilla Pear

• Dried pear slices
• dried lemon slices
• dried orange slices
• cinnamon stick
• whole cloves
• Vanilla beans, split lengthwise, or add a few drops of vanilla extract to a sugar cube and let dry
• sugar cube
• Optional plugins:Allspice fruit, star anise, dried ginger slices
• injection:Brandy, rum, vodka or bourbon
• Serve:Serve over ice and add a splash of club soda, or stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass.