Infused Vinegars
Prepare the flavoring ingredients as necessary. All fruit and herbs should be as fresh as possible, and in top condition. Discard any ingredients with signs of mold or decay. Wash and thoroughly dry your fresh ingredients.
Clean and sanitize a glass jar that will be large enough to hold the vinegar and flavor ingredients comfortably. I typically use pint or quart mason jars.
Combine the vinegar and flavor ingredients in the jar. Make sure there is enough vinegar to fully cover all the flavoring ingredients. If not, add a bit more vinegar to the jar.
Lid the jar and let the vinegar sit in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. Taste the vinegar; when the flavor has developed to your satisfaction, it’s done!
Strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any big chunks, then filter the vinegar through a strainer lined with a paper coffee filter, clean lint-free cloth, or layered paper towels.
If desired, sweeten the vinegar slightly. Many fruit vinegars taste more rounded with about 1 T. sugar added per 1 C. finished vinegar. This is totally optional.
Transfer the vinegar to sanitized dry bottles. Lid tightly and store the vinegar in a cool, dark place. It will keep for about l year.