Alcohol Infusions: Creative Pairings for Every Vanilla Bean Variety

Infusing vanilla beans in alcohol is a culinary art, offering deep flavors that bring out the unique profiles of every vanilla variety. Each type of vanilla bean carries distinct characteristics and pairing it with the right alcohol can create delightful, aromatic infusions that stand out in both cocktails and food alike.

Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect alcohol for each vanilla bean variety and crafting unforgettable infusions! To note, infusions are not to be confused with pure vanilla extract. Infusions are simply flavoring alcohol.

Vanilla Beans and Their Perfect Alcohol Pairings

Madagascar Vanilla Beans with Bourbon

Madagascar vanilla beans are considered the gold standard of vanilla, known for their bold, creamy flavor and sweet undertones, creating a rich profile that pairs beautifully with bourbon, which typically has notes of caramel and oak. This combination brings out the deep, warm characteristics in both the vanilla and the spirit, making it an infusion that feels classic and indulgent.

Madagascar vanilla-infused bourbon adds complexity to both cocktails and desserts. Try it in an Old Fashioned for a vanilla twist on this classic cocktail, or drizzle over pecan pie for a warming, sweet touch. It’s also a fantastic addition to sauces or even coffee drinks!

Tahitian Vanilla Beans with White Rum

Tahitian vanilla beans are known for their floral, fruity notes with hints of cherry and almond. This delicate flavor profile makes them a great match for white rum, which is light and allows Tahitian vanilla’s subtleties to shine without overpowering it. The infusion is both tropical and elegant, ideal for summertime drinks.

You can use Tahitian vanilla-infused rum in tropical cocktails like a Piña Colada or Mojito. The floral vanilla complements coconut and pineapple beautifully, bringing a luxurious note to these beach-ready drinks. You can also try it in a rum punch or daiquiri for an extra layer of flavor.

Mexican Vanilla Beans with Reposado Tequila

Mexican vanilla beans bring a slightly spicy, earthy flavor with hints of clove and nutmeg. This complex, rich profile pairs naturally with reposado tequila, which has been aged in oak barrels for a smooth, woody flavor. Together, Mexican vanilla and reposado tequila create flavors that are warm, inviting, and even a little spicy—perfect for adding a unique twist to drinks and dishes.

A unique way to use this combination is a Vanilla Margarita, where the earthy tones of both vanilla and tequila blend perfectly. It’s also excellent for a Vanilla Tequila Sunrise or even as a dessert topping, especially when drizzled over fresh fruit or Mexican-inspired desserts.

Hawaiian Vanilla Beans with Ocean Vodka

Hawaiian vanilla beans are known for their smooth, balanced flavor that creates a soft, tropical profile which pairs beautifully with Ocean Vodka, distilled from Hawaiian sugarcane and deep-ocean mineral water for a clean and slightly sweet taste. This pairing is perfect for creating an infusion that’s refreshing and easy to enjoy.

Hawaiian vanilla-infused Ocean Vodka is ideal for simple cocktails, like a Vanilla Vodka Lemonade. It also works well mixed with coconut water or a splash of tropical juice for a light, island-inspired drink that’s perfect for warm weather or a laid-back evening.

Ugandan Vanilla Beans with Spiced or Dark Rum

Ugandan vanilla beans are bold, with hints of chocolate and fig. Their robust flavor is an excellent match for dark or spiced rum, which is often rich with notes of molasses, cinnamon, and clove. When combined, Ugandan vanilla and spiced rum create a warm, full-bodied infusion that’s perfect for winter cocktails or comforting, spiced drinks.

Try this infusion in a Hot Toddy, Spiced Vanilla Rum Punch, or even an elevated eggnog. The smoky, earthy vanilla flavor adds depth to these drinks, and it also pairs well with chocolate-based desserts. You might even drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

How to Make Vanilla Bean Infusions

Creating these vanilla-infused alcohols at home is simple, though not fast – but the result is worth the wait. Here’s a basic guide to get started:

Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Use at least one vanilla bean per 8 ounces of alcohol. For stronger flavoring, add up to 0.83 ounces of vanilla beans. At 0.83 ounces or more pure vanilla extract will be produced vs. an infusion. Split the bean lengthwise to expose the seeds, which helps intensify the flavor.
Combine with Alcohol: Place the vanilla bean in a clean glass jar and pour your chosen alcohol over it. Seal the jar tightly.
Infuse: Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for at least a week, shaking it gently every few days. For a stronger flavor, infuse for 4-6 weeks.
Strain and Store: Once the flavor has developed, strain the mixture to remove the vanilla bean. Store the infusion in a clean glass bottle.

Tip: You can keep the vanilla bean in the bottle if you prefer an even more intense flavor over time.

Cocktail Recipes to Try with Vanilla Bean Infusions

Once your infusions are ready, they can be used in various cocktails to bring a gourmet twist to your bar setup. These are some of our favorite bases that you can make your own.

Vanilla Old Fashioned (Madagascar Vanilla & Bourbon)

Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla-infused bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes bitters

Muddle the sugar and bitters, add ice and vanilla-infused bourbon, and stir until chilled.

Vanilla Rum Piña Colada (Tahitian Vanilla & White Rum)

Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla-infused rum, 4 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz coconut cream

Blend with ice until smooth, then garnish with pineapple and a cherry.

Vanilla Margarita (Mexican Vanilla & Reposado Tequila)

Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla-infused tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz triple sec

Shake with ice, then strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

Vanilla Vodka Lemonade (Hawaiian Vanilla & Ocean Vodka)

Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla-infused vodka, 4 oz lemonade

Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon slice for a refreshing drink.

Spiced Vanilla Rum Punch (Ugandan Vanilla & Spiced Rum)

Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla-infused spiced rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz orange juice, a splash of grenadine

Shake with ice, then strain into a glass over ice.

Bring Vanilla to Life with the Right Alcohol Pairing

Matching vanilla beans with complementary alcohols offers a world of flavors to explore. Each vanilla variety has unique qualities, and the right pairing brings those flavors to life in new ways – luckily, we offer many varieties of beans to get you started! So, dive into the world of vanilla infusions and discover your favorite combinations today.