As an adventure scientist and author of The 2 AM Principle: Discover The Science of Adventure, all of my friends come to me for fun ways to liven up a party. One of the most common requests is recommendations for fun drinks to serve at their party, which is where impressive, yet simple, alcoholic infusions come in.

Let’s face facts: Most of us don’t have the skills to come up with anything good unless it involves pouring tequila into margarita mix. Infusions allow you to look fancy without any of the skill. Here are 3 very simple drinks you can make that require no talent but will still impress your friends and party guests.

Jalapeño-Infused Tequila

  • Prep Time:2 mins
  • Cook Time:1 day
  • Total Time:1 day 2 mins
  • Servings:10
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 3 or 4 jalapeños
  • 750ml tequila your choice
  • A container a quart sized jar will work
cocktail, ice, juice, alcohol, mint, berry, sweet, vodka, liquor, rum
Photo courtesy of Unsplash

  • Step 1

    Thinly slice your jalapeños and throw them in the jar.

  • Step 2

    Pour in the tequila.

  • Step 3

    Secure the lid, shake it and wait at least 24 hours.

  • Step 4

    Strain out all the seeds and jalapeños. Use them to mix delicious, spicy margaritas and cocktails.

Candy Corn-Infused Vodka

  • Prep Time:2 mins
  • Cook Time:5 hrs
  • Total Time:5 hrs 2 mins
  • Servings:5
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • cup candy corn
  • 1 ½ cups vodka
  • Quart-sized jar
cinnamon, cocktail, tea, ice, apple, juice
Photo courtesy of Unsplash

  • Step 1

    Put ½ cup of candy corn into a quart-sized jar.

  • Step 2

    Add 1 ½ cup of vodka.

  • Step 3

    Place the lid onto it and store in a dark place for at least 5 hours.

  • Step 4

    Make sure all of the candy pieces have completely dissolved. You may want to sift or stir before serving.

  • Step 5

    If you want to get extra fancy, put some yellow and white sprinkles around the rim of the shot or cocktail glass.

Cacao-Infused Vodka

  • Prep Time:2 mins
  • Cook Time:7 days
  • Total Time:7 days 2 mins
  • Servings:5
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 750ml vodka
  • cup cacao nibs
  • Quart-sized jar
coffee, milk, chocolate, espresso, cappuccino, sweet, cream, mocha
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

  • Step 1

    Pour the cacao nibs and vodka into a sealable jar.

  • Step 2

    Shake and let sit for at least 3 days. For a stronger flavor, infuse for 3 or 4 more days.

  • Step 3

    Shake it occasionally.

  • Step 4

    Once it sets, use a strainer to sift the nibs out, and you’re ready to drink it or mix it into yummy cocktails.

For more party treats, tips and stories for livening up your life and activities, pick up a copy of my book The 2AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure.