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How to Infuse Vodka with Fruit | Fresh Fruit Vodka Infusions

By Lori Taylor

Mar 29, 2017, Updated Aug 10, 2022

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Make Your Own Vodka Infusions

Have you ever wondered how to make vodka infusions with fruit? It’s surprisingly simple! Making your own vodka infusions gives you full control over which ingredients are used. Goodbye artificial flavors and coloring! Fresh fruit will give you tastier results!

STEP 1: Buy an Inexpensive Bottle of Vodka

There is absolutely no reason you need to buy an expensive bottle of vodka for this project. The fruit you’ll be using will provide the flavor, so there’s no need to spring for an artisan bottle unless you just really want to. Skip anything with hints of vanilla, citrus, etc.—any subtle flavors will be lost. 80-proof or 100-proof will work just fine.

Produce Moms Tip: Vodka can be made from various ingredients, including different types of grains. If you are on a gluten-free diet, be sure to choose a vodka that is made from something other than grains, like potatoes.

Step 2: Find an Air-Tight, Glass Container

You’ll need an air-tight container to store your vodka infusion in. Before you start infusing, have something ready to store it in. Glass works best as plastic containers can leave a chemical flavor. A mason jar works wonderfully!

Step 3: Choose and Prep Fruit

This is the fun part! You get to concoct your own flavor profile. There are any number of combinations you can make using fresh fruit (don’t be scared to throw in a few fresh herbs too!). The sky is the limit! You can also use a single fruit (watermelon infused vodka is ridiculously good!) Below, we have shared some of our favorite fresh fruit vodka infusions.

Once you decide which ingredients you will be using, wash the produce and remove stems and seeds. Remove pits from stone fruit. Peelings can be left on or peeled off—it’s up to you. Slice or chop larger produce items like pineapple, papaya, and apples to increase their surface area. This will create a stronger flavor and help speed up the infusion process. If you are using berries, bruise/gently squeeze them to help release their flavors. If you are using citrus, you may choose to use only the peel. We’d recommend removing as much of the pith as possible, as it can turn your infusion bitter.

How much fruit do you need? 

Great question! It really depends on how strong or subtle you’d like the flavor to be. As a rule of thumb, start with 1 cup of chopped fruit for each cup of vodka (example: 3 cups of fruit for 3 cups of vodka). It’s not an exact science—you’ll want to experiment to find your preferred ratio.

It is important to use enough vodka to cover all of the fruit. The alcohol is what prevents the fruit from spoiling. Do not feel like you need to use the entire bottle of vodka on one infusion. Anything left in the bottle can be saved for your next infusion.

Step 4: Infuse

Place all of the ingredients you have chosen and prepped in the bottom of your mason jar or other air-tight container. Pour the vodka on top of the ingredients and cover it tightly with a lid. Store the container on your countertop or in your pantry. Because the alcohol preserves the fruit, it’s fine to store at room temperature.

How long does it take for vodka to infuse?

Let the vodka infuse for 3-7 days. Shake the container once or twice per day. Taste the vodka periodically to determine if the flavor is to your liking. When your desired level of flavor is reached, proceed to step 5.

Step 5: Strain

Once the vodka is flavored how you want it, the fruit needs to be removed. Large bits of fruit can be strained out using a colander or mesh strainer. Use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain out smaller bits of sediment. Discard the fruit and sediment.

NOTE: The vodka may have changed color during the infusion process. This is natural coloring from the fruit. It’s normal and safe!

Step 6: Transfer and Store

Transfer your fruit-infused vodka into a clean, glass bottle or jar. It’s helpful to use a funnel when transferring the vodka into a bottle. Chose a container that can be sealed so the vodka does not evaporate. We love storing infused vodka into swing-top glass bottles. They seal up easily and look pretty.

Step 7: Serve

Your fruit-infused vodka is ready to drink! Pour over ice and sip or add to your favorite cocktail. Vodka infusions make lovely gifts or party favor/table decoration that guests can enjoy.

Now, it’s time to start dreaming up your next vodka infusion. Which fruit combination will you use next?

Infusing your own vodka allows you to create any flavor combination you can dream up.

What Fruit Is Best?

Here are our favorites fresh fruit vodka infusions:

• Strawberries + Basil
• Cranberries + Lime
• Blueberries + Lemon
• Grapefruit + Ginger
• Pomegranate Arils + Lime
• Pineapple + Coconut
• Peach + Basil
• Papaya + Orange + Mango
• Lemon + Lime
• Raspberries + Blackberries
• Granny Smith Apples + Cranberries
• Strawberries + Peach + Blueberries
• Figs + Vanilla Beans
• Pear + Apple
• Cherries + Strawberries + Mint
• Orange + Lemon + Lime
• Watermelon + Honeydew + Cantaloupe
• Kiwi + Strawberries

Which vodka infusion are you looking forward to trying? Be sure to share your favorite fresh fruit vodka infusions below.

Looking for a non-alcoholic or kid-friendly fruit beverage? Try these infused water combinations.