Bacon Fat Washed Vodka

Fat washing is one of those behind-the-bar secrets that sounds more complicated than it actually is. You can fat wash all kinds of alcohol with all kinds of fats, but for this recipe we’re infusing vodka with bacon fat. It’s just begging to be used in your next Bloody Mary.

This bacon fat-washed vodka will not taste like you’re slurping on bacon grease, I promise. Vodka goes really well with bacon fat because it’s such a neutral spirit that it can take on a strong flavor and become something else entirely different.

Watch Me Make It

Tools Needed for Fat Washing

• For straining: Pour-over stand, fine mesh strainer, or a Chemex
• Coffee filters or cheesecloth
• Large Weck jars or similar airtight jar
• Funnel for easier pouring (optional)
• Clean glass bottle or jar for storing
• A small skillet for cooking the bacon

How to Make Bacon Fat Washed Vodka

By definition, vodka is an unflavored, neutral spirit. It can be derived from different grains and processed with slight variations, but in order to be true vodka, it can only be water and ethanol. This makes vodka the perfect vehicle for infusions like fat washing. It will take on the rich and savory flavors of bacon, without becoming oily. And then you’ve just gone and created your own vodka!

To bacon fat wash your vodka, you’ll need 4–5 slices of thick-cut bacon to produce about 3 tbsp bacon fat + 2 cups (about 500 ml) of vodka.

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, reserving about 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of rendered bacon fat. Let it cool slightly.
2. Combine the warm bacon fat and vodka in a large jar or sealable container. Stir or swirl to mix.
3. Let it sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours to infuse.
4. Freeze overnight. As it chills, the fat will solidify on top.
5. Skim and strain. Remove the solid fat layer and strain the vodka through a coffee filter or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
6. Store in a sealed jar. It’ll keep at room temperature for several weeks or longer if stored in the fridge.

You can also use bacon fat to fat-wash whiskey and dark rum.

How to Use Bacon Fat Washed Vodka

There is no better use for bacon fat washed vodka than in my Bacon Bloody Mary. It’s also great in my similar Truffle Bloody Mary. If you’re a vodka martini person, bacon fat washed vodka in a martini makes it so unique and delicious. Try it in my Gilda Martini, which has even more of a savory flavor profile.