Easy Infused Spirits - Sugar Free

This instructable came about to fill a need. When entertaining or having a libations with friends, it is common that dieters and diabetics will have to shy away from beers, cocktails or flavored spirits due to the carbs and sugars. Normally I offer flavorful soft drink or tea and add plain unflavored distilled spirits (gin, rum,vodka, or whiskey), which have no sugar. Some people don't care for mixed drinks and prefer spirits over ice. Obviously plain gin, rum,vodka, or whiskey can get pretty boring, so that's how this came about. It is very easy and will be a hit with your dieters and diabetics! Of course everything in moderation, since alcohol affects a diabetic's insulin and sugar levels.

Materials

Mason jar with lid or any closeable food safe glass container

Spirit of your choice (gin, rum,vodka, or whiskey)

Tea - bagged or loose

Stainer or coffee filter (if using loose tea)

Infusing the Sprit

Use 1 tablespoon of loose tea or 2 teabags per 8 oz of spirits. You can cut open a teabag and use its contents to substitute as 1 tablespoon of loose tea.

Place tea in mason jar, pour in the spirit, close,and shake jar. Depending on the strength of the tea and its spices or fruits, it may take as little as an hour to get a nice delicate infusion. Shake and taste once an hour, to see if flavor is to your liking. Soak for about four hours to get a nice flavor. The color will change and the aroma will strengthen. Do not leave the tea in the spirit longer than 7 hours, doing so may result in a bitter flavor. Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or extreme cold. Place in a cupboard, pantry or countertop.

Preparing It for Use

Using the strainer or coffee filter, strain the spirit to remove any loose tea bits, if needed. Infused spirit can be stored at room temperature for six months.

Serve and Enjoy!

Please drink responsibly!

Here are the flavors I made:

Black Cherry Berry Vanilla Cinnamon -
2 Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry Herbal Tea & 1 Trader Joe's Vanilla Cinnamon Black Tea

Vanilla Caramel Chai Harvest -
2 Tazo Vanilla Caramel Chai & 1 Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Herbal Tea

Passion Harvest -
2 Tazo Passion Tea and 1 Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Herbal Tea