Infusing Your Own Vodka At Home Is Easier Than It Sounds

If you're throwing a house party, you're going to need a lot of alcohol. Thankfully, the prep work isn't too extensive, so long as you know the best methods for maximizing your portion sizes. Per Mix that Drink, a beverage dispenser with a spout allows any cocktail to become a big batch. Though ice should be added at the last minute, the cocktails can be premixed up to a week before the get-together without losing flavor. There are many options when creating these beverages — you can easily mix your liquor of choice with soft drinks, fruit juice, and premixed selections from the liquor store.

Though you can do as you wish when mixing a cocktail, some varieties hold up better than others. Per Cocktail Contessa, the best options are Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and other spirit-based cocktails. Drinks that contain citrus fruits such as oranges and lime don't last long in the flavor department, and anything carbonated should be added just before guests arrive.

Of course, you could always skip the tried-and-true bar-type beverages and opt for your own creation, and it only takes a couple of steps.

Are you looking to save some money by infusing your own at-home cocktail? By following a few key steps, the process is surprisingly simple. To begin, you should fill an air-tight container with washed garnishes and liquor (via Real Simple). Infusions can include cinnamon, lemon, basil, watermelon, and practically anything else you can think of, though you may want to taste-test it before serving it to guests. To maximize the potential of your flavors, you should shake the container daily, and when it's ready to serve, you should use a strainer to remove any leftover chunks that could alter the consistency of your drink.

It's vital to nail the ratio between alcohol and mixer. According to Ward III, a standard cocktail is made up of one part sweetener, one part acid, and two parts alcohol. To create spirit-forward beverages as mentioned before, the alcohol portion should be adjusted to three. No matter what, you'll want to try your mixture and adjust flavors and portions as needed.