Is butter infused with Vodka good?! CC: Cooksillustrated
Is butter infused with VODKA good?! CC: COOKSILLUSTRATED is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 130 calories per serving. Recipe by TimTheTank Official on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 24 hrs | Total: 24 hrs 27 min
Cost: $18.50 total, $2.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (shredded, room temperature)
- 750 ml Vodka (neutral, 40% ABV)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (optional, adds subtle sweetness)
Instructions
Shred the Butter
Using a box grater, shred the unsalted butter into fine strips. Work quickly to keep the butter cool.
Time: PT5M
Add Butter to the Jar
Transfer the shredded butter into the clean mason jar, spreading it evenly at the bottom.
Time: PT2M
Pour Vodka Over Butter
Seal the jar and slowly pour the vodka over the butter, ensuring the butter is completely submerged. Add honey now if using.
Time: PT2M
Infuse in the Refrigerator
Seal the jar tightly, give it a gentle shake, and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Shake the jar once or twice during this period.
Time: PT24H
Temperature: 4°C
Strain the Infused Vodka
After 24 hours, open the jar and pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solid butter remnants.
Time: PT5M
Bottle and Serve
Transfer the clear butter‑infused vodka back into a clean bottle or serve directly over ice. Enjoy responsibly.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 130
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Alcohol
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use less), Ghee (will change flavor)
- Instead of Vodka: Gin, White Rum
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Mason Jar (1‑liter)
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Box Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure the shredded butter is fully submerged in vodka to prevent spoilage.
- Strain the mixture thoroughly to remove all butter solids.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality, unsalted butter for the cleanest flavor.
- Chill the vodka before adding it to the butter; colder liquid helps the butter melt slowly and blend better.
- A pinch of sea salt can enhance the buttery notes without making the drink salty.
Troubleshooting
Butter pieces remain floating and do not fully infuse.
Gently stir the jar a few times during the 24‑hour period to break up clumps and ensure full submersion.
The final liquid is cloudy or has a grainy texture.
Strain a second time using a fresh cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove remaining particles.
The infused vodka tastes overly greasy.
Reduce the butter amount to ¾ cup per 750 ml vodka, or shorten the infusion time to 12 hours.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep sealed in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Not recommended; freezing may cause separation.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The infusion can be prepared up to a month in advance; just keep it refrigerated.
- Shake the jar once daily during the infusion period for even flavor distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter‑infused vodka in American cocktail culture?
Butter‑infused vodka is a modern novelty that emerged from the craft cocktail movement’s love for experimental infusions. While not traditional, it reflects the American spirit of pushing flavor boundaries and has become a viral “wow” drink on social media.
Are there regional variations of butter‑infused spirits in other cuisines?
In Scandinavia, butter‑flavored liqueurs like Smörgåsbord cream liqueur exist, and in Eastern Europe, butter‑infused vodkas are occasionally made for festive celebrations, but the American version is typically simpler, using only butter and neutral vodka.
How is butter‑infused vodka traditionally served in the United States?
It is usually served chilled, either straight as a shot or over ice. Some bartenders use it as a base for cocktails that benefit from a rich, buttery mouthfeel, such as a Buttered Old Fashioned or a dessert‑style martini.
What occasions or celebrations is butter‑infused vodka associated with in American culture?
Because of its novelty, it’s popular at parties, bachelor/bachelorette events, and as a “wow” factor at holiday gatherings where guests expect something unexpected and Instagram‑worthy.
What other American cocktails pair well with butter‑infused vodka?
It pairs nicely with coffee‑based drinks like an Espresso Martini, dessert cocktails featuring chocolate or caramel, and even a simple splash of cream to create a buttery White Russian.
What makes butter‑infused vodka special compared to regular vodka?
The butter adds a silky, creamy texture and a subtle dairy richness that smooths out the harshness of ethanol, resulting in a mouthfeel similar to a high‑fat liqueur while retaining vodka’s clean finish.
How has butter‑infused vodka evolved over time in the United States?
Initially a home‑brew experiment, it gained popularity through YouTube tutorials and TikTok videos. Commercial producers have since released pre‑infused butter vodka products, standardizing the ratio and offering flavored variations like honey or vanilla.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter‑infused vodka?
Common errors include not fully submerging the butter, which can cause spoilage, and failing to strain the mixture well, resulting in a gritty texture. Also, leaving the infusion at room temperature can lead to off‑flavors.
Why does this recipe use a 24‑hour cold infusion instead of heating the butter with vodka?
Cold infusion preserves the delicate butter flavor without cooking off the alcohol, and it prevents the formation of unwanted compounds that can arise from heat, keeping the spirit smooth and safe.
What does the YouTube channel TimTheTank Official specialize in?
The YouTube channel TimTheTank Official focuses on bold, experimental food and drink challenges, often featuring oversized portions, unconventional ingredient pairings, and humorous commentary on cooking mishaps.
How does the YouTube channel TimTheTank Official's approach to novelty cocktails differ from other cooking channels?
TimTheTank Official emphasizes extreme, eye‑catching concepts with a comedic twist, prioritizing entertainment and shock value over traditional technique, whereas many other channels focus on classic mixology or step‑by‑step precision.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
