If you are struggling with ideas for the last stragglers on your list – then this homemade, last minute gift idea may be just the thing. Most people will enjoy a homemade consumable item – especially when it is something that they are actually excited to use. Although there is nothing wrong with a homemade plate of cookies, there are so many sweets flying around during the holidays – that it may not be fully enjoyed. That’s why I like making homemade infusions as gifts. Depending on the person – this could be a flavored liquor or olive oil.
It’s pretty simple really… you take a bottle, add some fresh ingredients, pour in the base (oil or liquor), and let it sit for about a week. Voila! You have a beautiful – and tasty – homemade gift. I have done many variations over the years and everyone is always so impressed by the gift. If only they knew how easy it was!
First, you will want to obtain bottles that can be used to present the gift. I personally think swing top bottles are the best way to go. Not only do they look attractive but it will seal the infusion to ensure it stays nice and fresh. The swing top lid also makes the bottle spill proof, so you don’t have to worry about there being any spills in the gift bag! You can purchase swing top bottles fairly inexpensively online (about $2-$4 depending on the size). Another option would be to look for bottles in your area. I find that places like TJ Maxx, Ross and Home Goods usually have swing top bottles at a cheaper price. It can be a little unpredictable how many they will have though – so you may be better off ordering online if you have enough time. (Thank you amazon for two day shipping!)
You’ll also want to have some labels to mark the infusion. You can get crazy and try to design something unique – but I personally just like to use jam labels. I specifically like these Dissolvable Jam Labels because they won’t leave a sticky residue on the bottle and can be easily washed off with water. This allows the gift recipient to re-use their cute bottle after they have finished enjoying your gift. These labels are also super easy to find in person. Anywhere that sells mason jars should have them. I’ve seen them in places like Target, Wal Mart, K-Mart, Jo-Ann’s and most hardware stores. You want to call ahead to your local store first to ensure they have some in stock though.
The only other tool you might need is a large jar if you are making bigger batches. I personally use half gallon mason jars for this purpose. A few years back I decided to make infusions for all of my friends as gifts, and so I made large batches and then poured into the swing top bottles after the batch was complete. If you are making a small quantity though – it may be easier to simply infuse directly in the bottle.
To recap – Here are the tools you’ll need:
Glass swing top bottles (16 oz recommended)
Labels – dissolvable jam labels recommended
Large bottle or jar if making a big batch
Sharpie or pen for the label
Fresh ingredients of your choice
Infusing base of your choice (liquor or olive oil)
Vodka is usually the easiest mixer for a few reasons. First - it doesn’t have much of it’s own flavor and can be easily manipulated, second – vodka is one of the most commonly used liquors in mixed drinks and so the recipient has a high likelihood of enjoying it. Tailor the paring to what you know that person likes though. Think about what they usually order when you go out – and then figure out what infusion would help enhance their favorite drink.
Here are a few suggestions:
Do you have a Moscow mule lover in your life? Simply grate some raw ginger root into a bottle with Vodka and let it sit for at least a week. Here are some recommended ratios:
1 TBS raw grated ginger root
16 oz vodka of your choice
Know someone who loves their mojitos? A mint infused vodka is just what they need to take their concoction to the next level. This could also be a fun one around the holidays that they could add to hot chocolate or other festive cocktails. Mint is a delicate herb and may require a bit more brewing time. I would definitely taste this one as it brews and add more mint half way through if needed. I upped the amount of vodka because the soft mint leaves may absorb some of the liquid in the infusion process – which would make your bottle appear less full.
¼ cup fresh chopped mint leaves
16-18 oz vodka of your choice
This one is a bit more particular and won’t be quite as easily transferable to different cocktails. If someone likes making flavored martinis though – this will be a fun twist! This would also be super yummy added to lemonade for a brighter cocktail option.
6 fresh strawberries chopped and lightly mashed up.
2 sprigs of rosemary
16 – 18 oz of vodka
This one might sound a little strange – but will hit the spot with your Blood Mary friends! If you wanted to get extra creative, you could give them a bloody mary basket with all the other fixings they will need. You want to be careful with this infusion though because it can get HOT fast… or can fall a little flat depending on the heat of your jalapeno’s. If you can stomach it, I’d cut a small piece of raw jalapeno to bite into to test the hotness first. If it is pretty mild – be sure to include the seeds. If it is extremely hot, then I would probably leave out the seeds to reduce the infusion time to only a few days. Don’t forget – you can always taste test as you go.
1 TBS chopped raw jalapeno (seeds depends upon heat)
16 oz vodka of your choice
Know someone who loves their margaritas? Pineapple vodka can be a fun way to switch things up and add a little extra flavor! If you can get fresh pineapple – I would highly recommend it. Canned could work in a pinch, but those have often already lost so much of their flavor to the canning juices. If your friend likes spicy margaritas… then a pineapple jalapeno vodka may be the way to go. Just be careful how much jalapeno you add so that it doesn’t overpower the pineapple.
1/3 cup fresh chopped/slightly mashed pineapple
16 oz tequila of your choice
Again, this one probably sounds a little weird but the floral notes of gin pairs beautifully with fruit and basil. You can swap any fruit of your choice here… I just happen to like blueberry and gin together. Be warned, this will turn your gin a funny shade of blue! This concoction is the perfect twist in a classic gin and tonic. If they really want to take it to the next level, they could muddle a bit of fresh basil and blueberry into their tonic drink too.
1/4 cup rough chopped basil
¼ cup mushed fresh blueberries
16 oz gin of your choice
The bourbon lover in your life is going to fall off their chair after they try this tasty concoction. The flavors are warm and pair well with the earthiness of the liquor.
2 plums, pitted and lightly mashed
1/2 a vanilla bean, split in half
1tablespoons honey
16 oz bourbon of your choice
Maybe you want to make a homemade infusion gift, but you don’t think the recipient would want a fun liquor infusion. Fear not! Olive oil infusions are an equally impressive and thoughtful gift. Even if the person doesn’t spend a lot of time cooking – they could still benefit from a nicely flavored olive oil. They could even put the oil in a bowl with some vinegar and French bread for a quick appetizer.
Oil infusions generally go a bit faster than liquor and may only need a few days before it is ready to serve. Check it as you go and be sure to pull out the fresh ingredients when it is done infusing. Although this step is important for liquor as well – it is even more vital here because the fresh ingredients are more likely to spoil in oil than in straight vodka!
This one is my absolute favorite combination! The fragrant notes of garlic and sweet flavors of rosemary will pair nicely with a variety of dishes. I like using this oil as a base in my salad dressings. It would also be a perfect oil to dip bread in!
2 sprigs of rosemary
2 cloves of garlic, rough chopped
16 oz olive oil
For those who like things a little spicy, this smoky and flavorful combination will hit the spot. This oil would be great to use for frying up onions, adding to a pasta dressing, or drizzling over pizza.
2 slices of bacon, drained and chopped
1 TBS habanero pepper rough chopped
16 oz olive oil
This one might be a little unexpected, but would make a great salad topping! A small drizzle of this oil could also help brighten up savory dishes and add an interesting dimension to the pallet.
¼ a lemon, squeezed
Peels of lemon zest
1 TBS fresh thyme leaves, chopped
16 oz olive oil
This option encompasses a variety of different flavors and will be extremely versatile. The combination of herbs and pepper flakes makes for an impressive pallet.
5 basil leaves
1/2 TBS fresh oregano
1/2 TBS fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
16 oz olive oil
I made a quick video to walk you through how to setup, create, check and finish preparing your infusion. If cover a few extra tips in the video that should help clear up any questions you may still have.
I hope you enjoyed this article and perhaps even found a little inspiration for some last minute holiday gifts. I have been giving infused gifts for years and the receiver has always been both impressed and grateful for the thoughtful, homemade gift. There are lots of great ideas here to get you started, but don’t be afraid to branch out and come up with your own creative ideas! Personalizing it to what you think the receiver will love is always your best option.
Here are a couple final reminders:
Check the infusion as you go… you want to make sure it has lots of flavor without getting too intense. This is a personal preference thing… so use your best judgment!
Once you are satisfied with the infusion, remove the fresh ingredients so that they don’t “over-infuse” or start to spoil.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
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