Spring Fever Cures: DIY Wild Coast Fruit Boozy Infusions

It seems that during the summer months DIY infused beverages are all the rage. However, this time of year, winter relentlessly blows its blustery winds, snow continues to pile up, the days are lengthening at a snail's pace, and fruity boozy infusions are a distant thought. If you are looking for a fun party drink to cure the winter doldrums, the intense flavors supplied by dried fruits can give your mid-winter beverage game the boost that it needs. Let Wild Coast Fruit dried whole berries infuse the promise of spring into your favorite adult beverages. Any of the following can be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with a favorite sparkling mixer. 

Frosty Cardamom Cranberry Rum Infusion

Ingredients

• 2 cup Wild Coast Fruit Dried Whole Cranberries
• 12 whole cardamom pods
• 2 tsp. raw sugar
• 1 750 ml bottle of light rum

Directions

1. Gently warm the cranberries over medium heat with one cup of the rum. 
2. Do not allow the rum to boil, just warm enough to slightly rehydrate the cranberries, remove from heat and set aside to cool. 
3. Heat a saute pan over a medium flame. Add the whole cardamom pods to the pan and gently toast for 6 or 8 minutes until they start to release a nutty scent. Gently muddle the pods with a mortar and pestle just to break them open, not crush. 
4. When it has cooled, transfer the cranberry mixture to a glass container with an airtight lid. Add the cardamom pods and the remainder of the bottle of rum.
5. Cover the jar tightly and store in a cool dark place for one week or two weeks, giving it a good shake every day or two. 
6. When the infusion is complete, strain the delightfully spiced cranberry rum through a strainer and cheesecloth into a clean glass container. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Try it on the rocks with a splash of ginger. 

 Winter "Blues"berry Vanilla Gin Infusion

 Ingredients

• 2 cups  Wild Coast Fruit Dried Whole Blueberries
• 1 vanilla bean sliced lengthwise
• 1 750 ml bottle of gin

 Directions

1. Gently warm the blueberries over medium heat with one cup of the gin. 
2. Do not allow the gin to come to a boil, just warm enough to slightly rehydrate the berries, remove from heat and set aside to cool. 
3. When cooled, transfer the blueberry mixture to a glass container with an airtight lid. Add the vanilla bean and the remainder of the bottle of gin.
4. Cover the jar tightly and store in a cool dark place for one week or two weeks. During the wait, you will want to give your mixture a firm shake every day or 2 at least. 
5. Strain the boozy blueberry goodness through a fine mesh lined with cheesecloth into a clean glass container with a secure lid and refrigerate. Enjoy on its own or as a kicked up gin and tonic. 

Passing the Thyme Cranberry Vodka Infusion

Ingredients

• 2 cup Wild Coast Fruit Dried Whole Cranberries
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• 2 tsp. raw sugar
• 1 750 ml bottle of vodka

Directions

1. Lightly muddle the cranberries in a mortar and pestle. Do not smash. 
2. Place the muddled cranberries, thyme, and sugar in the bottom of a wide-mouthed jar. 
3. Cover the dry ingredients with the full bottle of vodka and seal the lid tightly. 
4. Store in a cool and dark place for two weeks.
5. After two very patient weeks, strain the mixture through a fine strainer and cheesecloth into a clean glass container and refrigerate.  Perfect for a martini!

Blueberry Basil Infused Spring Fevah Tequila

Ingredients

• 2 cups  Wild Coast Fruit Dried Whole Blueberries
• 2 Tbsp dried Thai basil
• 1 750 ml bottle of tequila (generally speaking we encourage using less expensive liquors for infusing but with tequila a slightly better brand is preferable)

 Directions

1. Gently warm the blueberries over medium heat with one cup of the tequila. Long enough to rehydrate berries. Do not boil. 
2. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. In the meantime, give your dried Thai basil a slight muddle and tie it into a cheesecloth bouquet. 
3. When cooled, transfer the blueberry mixture to a glass container with an airtight lid. Add the basil bouquet and the remainder of the bottle of tequila.
4. Cover the jar tightly and store in a cool dark place for one week or two weeks. During the wait, you will want to give your mixture a firm shake every day or 2 at least. 
5. Strain your new favorite party drink through fine mesh lined with cheesecloth into a clean glass container with a secure lid. Delicious chilled and straight up or to elevate your frozen margarita!