Patio Pairings: 5 Spirit Infusions for the Perfect Summer Evening

Breezy summer evenings, golden sunlight, unwinding on the patio with friends - The right cocktail can make this precious moment perfect.

Sure, you can stock up your bar with syrups, bitters and juices but why not just add more soul to your spirits.

Spirit infusions are a creative and ridiculously easy way to add a whole new dimension of flavor to your glass and your evening. With just a few simple kitchen ingredients and a little patience, you can transform your everyday spirits into ✨bespoke creations✨.

Your Essential Guide to Simple Spirit Infusions

• Choose Your Spirit: Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey, and bourbon all make excellent bases.

• Gather Your Ingredients: Fresh herbs, fruits and spices work wonders.

• Combine: Place your chosen ingredients in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle along with your spirit (e.g., a 750ml bottle).

• Infuse: Store in a cool, dark place. Give it a gentle shake daily.

• Time: The infusion time varies greatly depending on the ingredients and desired intensity. Some might be ready in 2 days, others up to a week.

• Strain: Once the flavor is perfect, strain out all the solids using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Bottle your infused spirit, and store it as you would regular liquor.

Ready to get creative? Here are 5 easy spirit infusions to try this summer:

1. Spicy Mango Tequila:

• How: Slice up one ripe mango and a few rounds of jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Add to a bottle of good quality tequila. Let it sit for 2-3 days, then strain.

• Pairing: Serve over ice with a splash of Jade Forest Sparkling Water and a lime wedge. The fizz and natural neutrality of the sparkling water will let the sweet heat of the tequila sing!

2. Berry Mint Gin:

• How: Muddle a handful of fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) with a few sprigs of mint. Add to your favorite gin and infuse for 2-4 days, then strain.

• Pairing: Top with Jade Forest Sparkling Water and a fresh mint leaf for a bright, botanical cooler. This is sophistication in a glass!

3. Cucumber Basil Vodka:

• How: Thinly slice half a cucumber and add several fresh basil leaves to a bottle of vodka. Infuse for 2-3 days, then strain.

• Pairing: A truly refreshing combination with Jade Forest Sparkling Water. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon for that spa-like vibe. Perfect for a light, crisp evening drink.

Pro tip: A simple way to achieve this flavour is by simply adding our Cucumber & Mint Tonic Water to your favourite spirit.

4. Orange Peel & Cardamom Bourbon:

• How: Use a vegetable peeler to get a few long strips of orange peel (avoiding the white pith) and add 3-4 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed) to a bottle of bourbon. Infuse for 5-7 days, then strain.

• Pairing: While delicious on its own, a touch of Jade Forest Sparkling Water can lighten it up for a summer evening, or even add a splash to an Old Fashioned for a subtle lift.

5. Ginger Peach Rum:

• How: Slice one ripe peach and add a few thin slices of fresh ginger (peeled) to a bottle of light or dark rum. Infuse for 3-5 days, then strain.

• Pairing: A fantastic blend of sweet and spicy. Serve with Jade Forest Sparkling Water and a fresh peach slice for a tropical, bubbly treat.

These infusions are not just drinks; they’re conversation starters, taste experiences, and the perfect way to make your summer evenings a little more special.

The best part? Once your spirits are infused, you've got an instant upgrade to your drink game. And for that perfect summer evening, you need a mixer that lets those infused flavors shine without adding unnecessary sweetness or calories. This is precisely why Jade Forest Sparkling Water is your ultimate companion. It’s the perfect, crisp, naturally flavored base that lets your infusions be the star of the show while keeping things light and refreshing for you and your guests.