Six inspired vodka infusions to help you create cocktails like a pro mixologist

Aja Sax, bartender at the new Dufferin Grove gastropub The Huntsman, on how to custom-flavour your vodka—and what to do with it

Photograph by Vicky Lam | Styling by Linsey Bell

1 | It’s Kosher (pictured)
Infuse vodka with two handfuls fresh dill. Shake 1 ½ oz infused vodka, ¾ oz Becherovka liqueur, ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 slices muddled cucumber and 3 drops Bittermens Burlesque bitters. Double-strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh dill.

2 | Flip Flop
Infuse vodka with three or four vanilla beans. Shake 2 oz infused vodka, ½ oz Devil’s Cut bourbon, ¼ oz cinnamon syrup, 5 drops Bittercube blackstrap molasses bitters, ¾ oz puréed apple and 1 beaten egg without ice. Add ice and shake again. Double-strain into cocktail glass. Grate fresh cinnamon overtop.

3 | BellHop
Infuse vodka with one sliced yellow or orange bell pepper. Shake 1 ½ oz infused vodka, ½ oz agave nectar, handful of fresh sage and ¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice. Strain over ice into a Collins glass. Top with 1 oz club soda. Garnish with a bell pepper slice.

4 | Voodoo Chili
Infuse vodka with one stemmed jalapeño pepper, cut lengthwise. Rinse coupette glass with mezcal. Shake 1 ½ oz infused vodka, ½ oz Cointreau, 1 ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice and ½ oz agave nectar. Double-strain into coupette. Garnish with cilantro.

5 | Flower Child
Infuse vodka with two handfuls of fresh lavender. Gently shake 2 oz infused vodka, ½ oz Martini Bianco vermouth, 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice and ½ oz chamomile syrup. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Float ½ oz green Chartreuse on top and garnish with chamomile flowers.

6 | Not Grandma’s Cobbler
Infuse vodka with one sliced peach. Muddle 5 strawberries with 2 oz infused vodka, ½ oz Galliano liqueur and 1 oz fresh lemon juice. Add 1 beaten egg white and shake without ice. Add ice and shake again. Double-strain into a cocktail glass. Grate nutmeg overtop.