Vanilla Bean and Orange Infused Bourbon

Who else is ready for another infused bourbon recipe? Me, me, me! Not that it's all about me but I love infusing bourbon. This vanilla bean and orange infused bourbon is a winner.

If you made my cherry-infused bourbon during the summer, you already know my love for a good liquor infusion. You also know how delicious it is. And for those who didn't get a chance to make my cherry-infused bourbon, no worries. You can join in on the fun with this vanilla bean and orange infused bourbon. Get excited.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Infusing bourbon takes a little patience, but it's otherwise a ridiculously easy process. So let’s get to it.

Grab an airtight container and fill it with three cups of bourbon. As with any liquor, quality matters here. We don’t necessarily need the most expensive bottle on the shelf —- and I think that’s a waste when we’re infusing —- but we don’t want the cheapest bottle either.

I typically use Makers Mark for my infusions. Makers Mark has more upfront caramel and vanilla notes than some other bourbons, and I love how those flavors play with the fruit additions.

Now slice an orange and drop it into the bourbon. For the vanilla bean, use a paring knife and run it down the length of the vanilla bean. We're just trying to open the bean to expose all delicious vanilla goodness to the bourbon, so we don't need to press so hard that we completely cut through it. Just put enough pressure into the cut so we open one side of the vanilla bean. We then use our fingers to spread the vanilla bean open like a book.

Pop on the top and let the jar sit in a dark place for about four weeks. If you take care of it now, your bourbon will be ready for the holidays. Lucky you.

How to Use 

Honestly, you can use this vanilla bean and orange infused bourbon in the same way you'd use regular bourbon. The orange and vanilla will add a little sweetness with a citrusy kick.

That said, I'm full of ideas in case you'd like a little more inspiration. If you're an eggnog fan, please do yourself a favor and spike your eggnog with this infusion. Bonus points for using this homemade maple eggnog, which is so much more delicious than anything you'd buy in a store.

Last holiday season, Matt and I made an eggnog flight and tasted tested six different liquors and liqueurs to see which combination we liked best. This vanilla bean and orange infused bourbon was absolutely delicious and my favorite of the bunch.

For another holiday treat, use it in a cranberry bourbon smash or pour it into your hot chocolate or apple cider. You'll also love this infused bourbon in a classic old fashioned. Hey, you're already adding an orange twist so why not a little orange infusion to go with it? And don't forget to try it in a Kentucky mule.

See? You have so many options with this vanilla bean and orange infused bourbon.

Perfect Pairing

I hope you have a sweet tooth because this bourbon pairs beautifully with desserts. A creme brûlée with its creamy texture and burned sugar is delicious with the undertones you get from the bourbon barrels. A spiced dessert, like a big slice of glazed gingerbread, is another perfect option.

If you love a good bourbon cocktail, I hope you give this vanilla bean and orange infused bourbon a try. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do. Please let me know how you enjoyed this recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Cheers!

Love Your Bourbon?

• Homemade apple cider
• Cherry bourbon smash
• Cherry-orange Kentucky mule
• Chai old fashioned
• Peach-maple bourbon smash

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