[title subtitle=”words and images: Catherine Frederick”][/title]
Bourbon and spice and everything nice. Isn’t that how the old saying it goes? Perhaps not, but it sure does warm you up on a cold winter night. Infused cocktails are all the rage, and small batch bottles make great gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list. We’ve concocted a bourbon infused with bacon. As everyone knows, bacon makes everything better! We also love this spiced bourbon recipe made with citrus, cranberries and cloves. Dress up the bottles for gifting by adding a handwritten cocktail recipe.
Bacon bourbon
Method
Cook 4 slices of bacon. Pour grease, about 1oz., into small bowl and cool slightly. Combine 750 ml of bourbon, bacon grease and 1 slice cooked bacon in 1qt. canning jar. Cover with plastic wrap, let sit room temp. for 6 hours. Put in freezer, about 8 hours. Remove. Scoop away solidified grease, discard with bacon slice. Strain bourbon through cheesecloth into container of choice. Keep in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Holiday Spice Bourbon
Method
Add 2 (2”) orange rind strips, 8 whole cloves, 1 cup fresh cranberries (lightly crushed) and 750 ml bourbon to a 1qt. canning jar. Cover with lid. Let sit at room temperature for 4 days. Shake jar, remove lid and strain bourbon into pitcher. Add ¼ cup Simple Syrup, stir. Pour mixture into container of choice. Keep in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
