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DIY Cocktail Kits Recipe

DIY Cocktail Kits Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

Create your own DIY cocktail kits featuring beautifully dried fruits, spices, and herbs that add vibrant flavor and stunning garnish to any drink. This recipe guides you through drying citrus, pineapple, jalapeño, cranberries, and more to craft personalized, aromatic cocktail infusions perfect for gifting or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 5–6 navel or cara cara orange slices, sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
  • 6 pineapple slices, cut into 1/8-inch rounds (or use store-bought dried pineapple)
  • 4 lime slices, cut into 1/8-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, halved
  • 4–5 slices blood orange, cut into 1/8-inch rounds
  • 4–5 slices tangerine, cut into 1/8-inch rounds

Spices and Herbs

  • 3 1-inch pieces crystallized (candied) ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2–3 whole cloves
  • 1 cardamom pod (optional)
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)
  • 1 sprig dried rosemary

Other

  • 1 small jalapeño, halved lengthwise (remove seeds for less spicy option)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (we used turbinado) or 3 small sugar cubes
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (we used turbinado) or 3 small sugar cubes (additional for jar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to the lowest temperature possible, ideally around 170˚F (75˚C). Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare them for drying the fruit and spices.
  2. Prepare the Fruit and Spices: Slice all fruit to an even thickness of about 1/8-inch to ensure even drying. Group similar fruits together on the baking sheets to manage varying drying times. This also helps when removing items as they finish drying.
  3. Dry the Ingredients: Place the trays in the oven. Monitor drying times carefully: rosemary will dry within 1-2 hours, limes and cranberries take about 3-4 hours, oranges require 4-6 hours, and pineapples and jalapeño take the longest, approximately 6-8 hours. The dried fruit should feel completely dry to the touch on both sides and may be slightly pliable but will harden as it cools.
  4. Assemble the Cocktail Kits: Once the drying process is complete and the ingredients have cooled, arrange all items into clear glass mason jars. Add a tablespoon of sugar or equivalent sugar cubes. Seal the jars tightly and affix labels with instructions for infusion.
  5. Infuse and Use: Instruct recipients to fill the jar with their preferred alcohol and allow the mixture to infuse for 1-3 days. After infusion, strain to enjoy flavorful cocktails enhanced by your thoughtfully curated dried ingredients.

Notes

  • Slicing fruit evenly (about 1/8-inch thick) is essential for uniform drying.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during drying.
  • Dry more fruit than needed to have backups in case of burning or uneven drying.
  • Monitor closely during drying as fruits have different drying times.
  • Remove seeds from the jalapeño for less heat if preferred.
  • Use glass mason jars to showcase the colorful ingredients attractively.
  • Label the jars with clear instructions for alcohol infusion and timing.
  • These dried ingredients also make excellent garnishes for many cocktails beyond the kit.

Nutrition

Keywords: DIY cocktail kits, dried cocktail garnishes, homemade cocktail infusion, dried citrus, cocktail gift idea

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/diy-cocktail-kits-recipe/