To make jasmine-infused gin, you will need to start with a high-quality gin of your choice. I recommend using a London dry gin or a gin with a more neutral flavor profile, as you want the jasmine to be the star of the show.
1. Gather your ingredients and equipment:
– 6 ounces of gin
– Jasmine tea bags (1 bag per 6 ounces of gin)
– Glass ball jar or airtight container
– Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
2. Choose the right jasmine tea:
When selecting jasmine tea, opt for loose leaf tea or high-quality tea bags that are made primarily from jasmine flowers and green tea leaves. Avoid teas with artificial fragrances or additives, as they can interfere with the natural flavors.
3. Infuse the gin with jasmine:
Pour the desired amount of gin into a glass ball jar or airtight container. For every 6 ounces of gin, you'll need one bag of jasmine tea. Drop the tea bag into the gin, ensuring it is fully submerged.
4. Infusion time:
The infusion time can vary depending on how intense you want the jasmine flavor to be. For a more subtle infusion, let it infuse for about four hours. If you desire a stronger and more pronounced jasmine flavor, leave it to infuse overnight.
Personal experience: I once infused gin with jasmine tea for just four hours, and the resulting flavor was delicate and beautifully floral. However, on another occasion, I left the gin to infuse overnight, and the jasmine notes were much more prominent, almost perfumed. It's all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different infusion times to find your ideal balance.
5. Strain and store:
After the desired infusion time has passed, remove the tea bag from the gin. To ensure a smooth and clear infused gin, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar. This will capture any small tea particles or sediment.
6. Enjoy and experiment:
Your jasmine-infused gin is now ready to be enjoyed on its own or in your favorite cocktails. The delicate floral notes of jasmine can add a unique twist to classic gin-based drinks like a gin and tonic, martini, or even a floral-themed cocktail creation of your own.
Personal tip: I love using jasmine-infused gin in a classic gin and tonic. The floral aroma and taste of the jasmine beautifully complement the botanicals in the gin, creating a refreshing and fragrant drink. Garnish with a twist of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the flavors even further.
Remember, the beauty of infusing gin is that you can experiment with different tea varieties and flavors. So, don't be afraid to try other floral teas or even combine jasmine with other herbs and spices to create your own signature infused gin. Cheers!