With Father’s day right around the corner, it’s time to pick out a present for your old man. But what says love more than something homemade? Following only a few simple steps, you can easily create your own infused whiskey or bourbon that will be the ideal gift for dear old dad. All you’ll need is alcohol, time, and anything that will add your father’s favorite flavor to the mix.

Habanero Honey Whiskey Recipe
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 habanero pepper
• lemon zest (1/3 to 1/2 of the lemon)
• 1 ½ oz. water
• 1 cup bourbon or whiskey

Cut the pepper into fourths while keeping the seeds intact. For less spice, remove some seeds. In a small saucepan on low heat, mix together the honey, cinnamon stick, pepper, lemon zest and water. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes but stir frequently. Remove the pepper and turn off heat. When the remainder of the mixture has cooled completely, strain and pour into a large container. Add the bourbon/whiskey and shake. Close the jar tightly.

After 1 to 2 days, strain the infusion through a coffee filter. Let sit another day or two before serving.

Grilled Peach Infused Bourbon
• 2 peaches, halved
• 2 cups bourbon

Grill peaches until slightly charred, approximately 4 minutes on each side. Put peaches in large container and pour in bourbon. Cover and let sit for 2 to 3 days.

Strain into another container and discard the peaches. Then cover, chill and enjoy.

Bourbon-Bacon Infusion
• 3 or 4 slices of bacon (enough for 1 oz. of bacon fat)
• 1 750-ml bottle of bourbon

Cook the bacon and set aside the fat from the pan. When the fat has cooled, reserve 1 oz. for the infusion. Pour the bourbon into a large container and strain the bacon fat into it. Then let sit for 4 to 6 hours.

Place the mixture in the freezer until the fat has solidified. Using a spoon, remove fat and strain the rest of the mixture back into the container. Finally, drink up.

So what are you waiting for – initiate the infusing.

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