Bacon vodka – two words you may never have thought to put together, but believe it or not, it’s a thing. And it’s a thing that can add a unique and delicious twist to your cocktail game, specifically my Bacon Martini Recipe! If you’re a fan of bacon and you’re not afraid to experiment with your drinks, then keep reading to learn how to make your own bacon vodka using the fat washing technique.
The fat washing technique, in case you’re not familiar, involves infusing liquor with the flavor of fat. In the case of bacon vodka, this means infusing vodka with the smoky, savory flavor of bacon fat. The result is a spirit that has a distinctive bacon aroma and taste, making it the perfect ingredient for bacon-inspired cocktails.
Before we get into the recipe, it’s important to note that not all bacon is created equal. To make the best bacon vodka, you’ll want to use high-quality nitrate free bacon. Why nitrate free? Because nitrates, found in many cured meats, have been shown to cause cancer when they combine with your stomach acid. So look for a high quality nitrate free bacon that you trust enough to infuse into your favorite vodka.
Why Bacon Vodka is The Coolest Thing You’ll Make This Year
Who doesn’t love the smoky, salty rich taste of bacon? Imagine the epic results of adding hints of bacon undertones to a cocktail. You will want to add bacon vodka to all the drinks- imagine the possibilities of a bacon vodka for my Perfect Bloody Mary recipe! And imagine how awesome this technique will be for making bacon bourbon for my Smoked Old Fashioned!
Made by infusing vodka with cooked bacon, this flavorful spirit can be used to create drinks that are perfect for bacon lovers and foodies alike. The smoky, meaty taste of bacon vodka is a great complement to other ingredients such as maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, or smoked paprika, making it a versatile addition to any home bar. Whether you’re looking to experiment with new cocktail recipes or simply want to add a touch of savory flavor to your drinks, bacon vodka will make take your cocktail game to the next level. Imagine the next time you have friends over and you offer them homemade Bacon Vodka as an option! Wait for their look of surprise and delight!
Ingredients to Make Bacon Vodka
- 1 pound of high-quality, thick-cut bacon (I’m a fan of White Oak Pastures– use my code to get $20 off your order!)
- 750 ml bottle of Plain, high quality Vodka (I like Titos, Prairie Organic)
Use this bacon vodka technique to have bacon vodka on hand to make my Bacon Martini.
How to Make Bacon Vodka
- Cook the bacon in a pan until it’s crispy, then remove it from the pan and let it cool.
- Reserve the bacon fat and pour it into a separate container. This bacon fat will be used for making bacon infused vodka and combined with the vodka.
- Once the bacon has cooled, pour the vodka into a large, sealable container. This may require using multiple mason jars and diving into twos or threes depending on the size you have.
- Add the bacon fat, divided among your vodka containers (unless you have one large container) to the container with the vodka, making sure the bacon is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Seal the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least four hours (or up to 24 hours, if you want a stronger bacon flavor).
- After the infusing time has passed, put the container in the freezer for a few hours to solidify the fat.
- Once the fat has solidified, use a fine-mesh strainer to strain out the bacon fat and any solid bits of bacon.
- Pour the strained bacon vodka into a clean bottle and it’s ready to use!
Bacon vodka coming out of the freezer ready to have the bacon fat removed.
Substitutions/Variations
This technique is great for bourbon, rum, tequila, mezcal, and any spirit you prefer. Get creative!
Fat Washing Flavor Pairing Ideas
The fat washing technique gives you the ability to infuse your favorite spirits with all kinds of flavors! Here is your chance to really heighten your cocktail game and try out new flavor combos! Use your favorite dishes for inspiration! Some popular combinations include:
- Bourbon infused with smoky bacon fat creates a rich and smoky flavor that is perfect for a classic Old Fashioned. Try it in my Smoked Old Fashioned!
- Rum infused with coconut oil can add a tropical vibe to your boat drinks!
- Vodka infused with truffle oil can heighten a dirty martini- ooh I cannot wait to try this!
- Rye whiskey infused with duck fat would be amazing sipping neat or made into a Manhattan.
- Gin infused with blue cheese is perfect for the blue cheese love and would pair perfectly in a gin martini.
Other fats that can be used for fat washing include peanut butter, foie gras, clarified butter or ghee, chorizo, beef tallow and avocado. Each fat brings its own unique flavor to the spirit! If you are looking for inspiration on ingredients and flavors that work together in a complimentary way, I highly recommend the reference book The Flavor Bible. This book has definitely made me a better cook and has been invaluable in my recipe development career.
Tools Needed to Make Bacon Vodka
- 750 ml bottle of Vodka
- Mason Jars (if you are using an entire 750 ml bottle of vodka, you will need a few large mason jars to do this)
- Sieve or fine mesh strainer
Bacon Vodka FAQ
What is bacon vodka?
- Bacon vodka is a type of flavored vodka that is infused with the flavor of cooked bacon using the fat washing technique as described in this fat washing guide.
How is bacon vodka made?
- To make bacon vodka, cooked bacon is added to a jar or bottle of vodka and left to infuse for several hours or overnight. The bacon is then removed, and the vodka is ready to use.
Can you make bacon vodka at home?
- Yes, bacon vodka can be made at home using vodka and cooked bacon. It’s a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and some patience while waiting for the vodka to infuse.
What cocktails can you make with bacon vodka?
- Bacon vodka can be used in a variety of cocktails, including bacon martinis, bloody marys, and even bacon-infused margaritas. It pairs well with other savory and smoky flavors and can be a unique addition to any cocktail.
Where can you buy bacon vodka?
- This post offers way to make your own Bacon Vodka, however there is premamde Bacon vodka available at some liquor stores, specialty stores, and online retailers. Some brands to look for include Bakon Vodka, Black Rock Spirits, and Heritage Distilling Co.
How to Make Bacon Vodka Using the Fat Washing Technique
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Yield: 750ml bottle of vodka 1x
Description
This recipe will show you how to make your own DIY Bacon Vodka using the fat-washing technique which can be applied to any spirit with any fat of your preference. Have fun with all the infused spirit combinations you can make!
Ingredients
- 1 lb of bacon
- 1 750 ml bottle of pure unflavored vodka
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a pan until it's crispy, then remove it from the pan and let it cool.
- Once the bacon has cooled, pour the vodka into a large, sealable container.
- Add the bacon to the container with the vodka, making sure the bacon is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Seal the container and let it sit at room temperature for at least four hours (or up to 24 hours, if you want a stronger bacon flavor).
- After the infusing time has passed, put the container in the freezer for a few hours to solidify the fat.
- Once the fat has solidified, use a fine-mesh strainer to strain out the bacon fat and any solid bits of bacon.
- Pour the strained bacon vodka into a clean bottle and it's ready to use!
There are many ways you can use bacon vodka in cocktails, from my award-winning Perfect Bloody Mary recipe to a bacon-infused Old Fashioned. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect bacon vodka cocktail.
So there you have it, a simple recipe for making your own bacon vodka using the fat-washing technique. It may sound a bit strange, but trust me, the end result is well worth the effort. Give it a try and impress your friends with your bartending skills!
- Prep Time: 24 hours
- Category: vodka, alcohol, spirits
- Method: Fat Washing Technique
- Cuisine: American
