Homemade Caramel Infused Vodka
This small batch Caramel Infused Vodka is sweet, delicious and easy to make at home. Rich and smooth, this dessert vodka recipe takes a little time and is perfect for sipping or mixing into your favorite drinks.
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Fun fact: this recipe was originally developed to add to an appletini, and it wasn’t until I realized that this would make a great standalone post that I pulled it out… and then proceeded to find LOTS of other drinks it would work in.
Another fun fact: I made the initial batch of salted caramel vodka with the salted caramels I brought home from a childhood best friend’s wedding.
The more you know. (Because everyone loves a food blogger story.)
Why I love this recipe:
Fun fact: infusing alcohol at home is exceptionally easy. (I’m also kind of obsessed with the process because there’s something incredibly satisfying about it.)
All you need is the ingredients — vodka and caramels, in this case — and a little time and then voila!
The end result is an absolute delight that’s sweet and sippable. It’s a delicious dessert drink on its own with indulgent flavor, but it can be mixed into various alcoholic beverages for those decadent, rich caramel vibes.
Other than the taste, I like infusing my own vodka for cocktails because it feels less wasteful. In years past, when I have purchased bottles of flavored vodkas, they’ve sat on shelves for months or years.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a small batch, so while you can scale it, the recipe only makes 4 servings… which is perfect for a small gathering.
More infused alcohols to make at home:
What you need to make this recipe:
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- Mason jar
- Mini angled measuring cup or a jigger
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dessert vodka:
- Caramels — all you need are a handful of these chewy caramel candies to infuse your vodka. These are a key ingredient, and the number of caramels will vary depending on the size. You can use regular caramels or salted caramels in this and will get the same result. However, if you choose to use salted caramels, you get that delicious hint of salt that adds a bit of balance to the sweetness.
- Vodka — plain or regular vodka is what you are looking for. Use a brand that you enjoy drinking. Tito’s is a favorite in our house, but whatever you have on hand should work! If you’re unsure what to purchase, ask a worker at your local liquor store for advice.
How to make Caramel Infused Vodka
Before we get started, this vodka infusion could take up to 24 hours. Keep that in mind as you get started.
Pour the vodka into a pint-sized mason jar. Add the caramels, too.
Screw on the lid and shake vigorously.
Let the vodka infuse overnight. This could take up to 24 hours, depending on how large the caramels are.
As the caramel vodka infuses, shake occasionally until the caramels are completely dissolved into the vodka.
There will be a film or some “white frothy stuff” on top of the vodka, so shake it vigorously before using.
You can run the final vodka through a coffee filter to remove any impurities. I tend to just shake the jar before pouring and don’t worry about silt.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Real talk: homemade caramel vodka is a really easy infusion and would be a super cool item to have on the shelf of your home bar throughout the year, but especially in the fall.
If you’re hosting a gathering where you think your people would like this infused vodka, here are some suggestions I have for you:
- Double or triple the recipe. This recipe makes a small batch, so if you want to make this for more people, make more!
- Add a touch of salt. If you’re using regular caramels and want that saltiness, add a pinch or two of sea salt or kosher salt to the mixture as you infuse it.
- Make it whenever it’s convenient for you. This will need up to 24 hours of infusion time, but you can make it days or even a week in advance.
- Mix it into a custom cocktail for your event, like a Caramel Apple Martini, or swirl it into spiked apple cider. The world is your oyster!
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a fun thing to do at home, and it’s a cool gift to give! Choosing a special type of caramel can help add that perfect buttery caramelized sugar flavor.
Quick tips and tricks to the best homemade infused vodka
- Use a vodka you like to drink as the base.
- Give it time to infuse. There’s no rushing this!
- Always give it a good shake before serving.
How to use this vodka:
Combine it with apple juice or cider, garnish it with an apple slice or an orange wedge and enjoy!
You can also add a splash to your favorite hot chocolate recipe for a caramel finish.
Add a shot to a caramel apple mimosa or a caramel apple martini for bonus caramel flavors!
Want to make this goodness? Scroll on down to see how to do it…
Homemade Caramel-Infused Vodka
Ingredients
Caramel Vodka
- 1.2 oz. caramels about 4 store-bought caramel squares or 4 (1½”) homemade caramels
- 8 oz. vodka
Equipment
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Instructions
- Pour the vodka into a pint-sized mason jar.
- Drop the caramels into the vodka. If you cut them up, the will dissolve more quickly.
- Screw on the lid, shake, then let sit overnight. (This could take up to 24 hours, depending on how large the caramels are.)
- Shake occasionally until the caramels are completely dissolved into the vodka. (There will be a film on top, so before you use this vodka, please shake well or strain through a coffee filter.)
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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