Horseradish Cocktail Zingers: Crafting Spicy Martinis with Homemade Infusion

If you enjoy the subtle heat that horseradish packs in a Bloody Mary, this is your sign. You can take it a step further by actually infusing vodka with horseradish. This creates a sharp, clean liquor that transforms the standard martini into something playful and unique. It’s bold but refined, and when made with Morehouse Mustard’s Atomic Horseradish, it delivers the kind of zing that lingers in the best way.

We don’t suggest this just to add shock value or overpowering heat; it actually tastes good, too! The right horseradish infusion brings depth and just enough fire to cut through the simplicity of a classic cocktail. It’s savory, surprising, and more versatile behind the bar than you might think.

How to Make Horseradish-Infused Vodka

Start with an unflavored neutral vodka and a small amount of high-quality horseradish. Morehouse’s Atomic Horseradish has a sharpness that holds up well in liquor and doesn’t muddy the flavor. Creamier variations of horseradish may not infuse as well. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vodka
• 2 teaspoons Morehouse Atomic Horseradish
• Optional additions: lemon peel or a few crushed peppercorns

Combine ingredients in a sealed glass jar. Let this mixture infuse in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, shaking gently once or twice. Try a taste after the first day, and if the flavor hits the right intensity, strain the vodka through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Then, store in a sealed container in the fridge and use within two weeks. This infused vodka becomes your cocktail base.

Building the Ultimate Zinger Martini

Once the vodka is infused, creating the perfect cocktail is simple, and the flavors feel intentional. This version is clean, bright, and unmistakably savory (which may not be for everyone).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz horseradish-infused vodka
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Optional: splash of pickle brine or celery bitters
• Garnish: cocktail onion or lemon twist

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish to taste.

This martini pairs well with raw bar food, like oysters, smoked fish, or sharp cheeses. It also stands on its own as a pre-dinner cocktail for anyone who appreciates bold, crisp flavors. If you enjoy a dirty martini, this should be on your list to try. 

Other Ways to Use Your Infused Vodka

• Add a few ounces to a Bloody Mary for an elevated brunch drink.
• Use it in a dirty martini variation, swapping out the olive brine for pickle brine.
• Mix it into a citrus-based cocktail for a contrast of flavors and a bit of a kick and surprise.

Find Morehouse At Your Grocery Store

Horseradish-infused vodka isn’t unheard of, but it’s also not super common. When made with the right horseradish, it becomes a next-level addition. Morehouse Atomic lends the infusion the clarity and punch it needs to stand out in a minimalist cocktail format, such as a martini. Whether you’re experimenting with infusions at home or seeking a signature drink with an edge, this is a simple yet memorable way to add heat to your glass.