The Genius Moka Pot Trick For Irresistible Infused Cocktails

When it comes to crafting cocktails, there's a lot of room to get creative. From selecting the perfect garnish, deciding on a spirit, and diving into the exciting universe of mixers, both savory and sweet, there's a lot that goes into making one of these versatile drinks. 

One of the most exciting cocktails to indulge in is a beautifully layered infusion cocktail. These beverages are special because the spirits used in them have been imbued with spices or herbs beforehand. This process allows mixologists to showcase multiple flavors in one drink without overwhelming the overall taste. To make this magic happen, the flavor-imparting ingredient must be steeped in alcohol for several hours, or sometimes even days, before meeting the shaker. (The length of time will depend on the spirit and infusion ingredients you select.) While the flavorful result is usually worth the extra time, not everyone has the same level of patience, and it's not ideal for those hoping to spontaneously make a batch of infused cocktails.

Well, one way to get creative — and efficient — with the infusions for your next batch of drinks is to use a moka pot for the marinating process. This unexpected kitchen tool can permeate your cocktail with subtle flavors in minutes, and there's no waiting required. To try this trick out for yourself, let's talk about how a moka pot works in the first place.

Traditionally used to make cups of coffee, there are three separate chambers in a moka pot. You fill the lowest chamber with water and the one above it with coffee grounds. Stick the pot on the stove over medium heat, and the pressure will gradually build until the water rises through the grounds and sends freshly-made coffee into the top chamber. 

Using a moka pot is an excellent way to make an espresso martini, but you can take coffee out of the equation entirely. If you add some sliced lemons, floral herbs, or smoky spices into the middle chamber instead, this is a great way to infuse cocktails with a whole other layer of flavor. Just fill the lower chamber with water as usual and stick it on the stovetop. Because of a moka pot's high pressure, it's best to avoid using high-proof spirits in this machine, but lower-proof alcohols like wine or aperitifs are ideal. Still, it's best to start experimenting with water first. 

If you're wondering: No, this process won't burn away the alcohol content since the heating period is very short. You also don't want this mixture to boil, as it could strip your infusion of flavor, so keep an eye on the pot as it heats. Then, once your infusion cools, you can mix it easily into the cocktail of your choice.

It doesn't take much time to elevate your cocktail with this trick, so why not give it a try? Moka pots make for especially well-rounded drinks, so if you're ready to dip your toe in the water, let's talk about some easy infusions to start with.

Because moka pots work best with water, a tea-based infusion could be great to try making first. For a spiked Arnold Palmer, simply add your black tea leaves into the middle chamber of your pot and water in the bottom, and a perfect tea infusion will be ready in minutes. Combine it with a splash of lemonade and vodka, and you've got yourself a deliciously infused cocktail. If you'd like to try infusing lower-proof alcohol with your moka pot, add some sweet red vermouth in the bottom chamber and fill the middle with herbs like rosemary and thyme. This exemplifies the fruity and floral flavors of vermouth and gives it more of an herbal edge, which will make your Manhattan or Negroni really sing. Lastly, infusing wine with fruit like strawberries or blackberries could give your cocktail a burst of added sweetness, which would be a perfect new take on sangria.

Bringing a moka pot into your home bar is an impressive way to make cocktail infusions. Get creative with this helpful tool, and experiment with different flavors. Who knows, you might be the one to create your new favorite cocktail.