Crafted vinegars possess a charming rustic allure — within the light-hued vinegars, citrus curls and delicate herbs dangle like illustrations from a botanical sketch. The vessels themselves seem plucked from the shelves of a vintage apothecary shop, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen ambiance!

Not only do these infused vinegars illuminate your kitchen space, but they also bring radiance to your recipes: these flavorful concoctions prove invaluable for crafting vinaigrettes, enhancing sauces, elevating a simple pot of beans, or swiftly pickling a medley of vegetables. Their enchanting essence works wonders in a refreshing shrub or a tall glass of summer switchel.

Within this collection, we’ve curated three distinct flavor profiles, accompanied by tantalizing tasting notes and inventive recipe ideas straight from the bustling test kitchen. Consider this assortment a starting point for culinary exploration. These vinegars seamlessly integrate into any dish requiring vinegar, sparking creativity and inviting you to embark on your journey of crafting personalized infused-vinegar recipes.

Rice wine, lemongrass, lemon peel, and thyme

Rice wine vinegar serves as an excellent canvas for infusions due to its incredibly mild nature. The harmonious blend of lemongrass and thyme transforms it into a delightful concoction that could easily double as a standalone salad dressing — a symphony of lightness and refreshment!

This subtle vinegar is an ideal choice for putting the finishing touch on a creamy pan sauce. Its gentle demeanor makes it perfect for adding a touch of zest without overwhelming anyone’s palate — envision it in light vinaigrettes, marinades, or gracefully sprinkled over rice bowls and steamed veggies in our test kitchen experiments.

Champagne vinegar, rosemary, and garlic

With its light and crisp profile, champagne vinegar brings a fresh, lively flavor to the forefront. Savoring this infusion off a spoon reveals vibrant rosemary notes and a lingering garlicky finish that captivates the palate.

Bold and flavorful, this vinegar is tailor-made for whisking together with olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt — an irresistible dip for bread. Its savory essence also finds its place in rich pasta sauces, garlic aioli, or robust marinades. A generous sprinkle over sandwiches or a swirl through a pot of lentil soup makes for an enticing culinary journey.

White wine vinegar, hibiscus, orange, and allspice

If there were such a thing as sipping vinegars, this would be the epitome. Hibiscus and orange rind seamlessly mellow the sharp edges of white vinegar, resulting in a delightful flavor profile — sweet and floral with nuanced allspice overtones.

This infusion is a star for quick-pickling alliums, like red onions. Its fruity notes shine in citrus or raspberry salad dressings, vibrant chutneys, or sweeter marinades for chicken or pork. Need to add vinegar to a pie dough? Look no further than this aromatic blend.

SAUCES & SEASONINGS: 3 DIY Herb Infused Vinegars

Ingredients:

For the lemongrass and thyme vinegar:
2 cups rice wine vinegar
2 stalks lemongrass, halved lengthwise
Twists from ½ lemon
5 thyme sprigs

For the rosemary and garlic vinegar:
2 cups Champagne vinegar
3 sprigs Gelson’s rosemary
1 garlic clove

For the orange hibiscus vinegar:
2 cups white wine vinegar
5 dried hibiscus flowers
Twists from ½ orange
8 allspice berries
Special equipment: 3 1-quart Mason jars, 3 17-oz vinegar bottles

Directions:
For each infused vinegar: In a clean Mason jar, combine all of the ingredients and seal the lid. Let the vinegars infuse at room temperature, tasting every few days, until it reaches your desired flavor, about 1 week.

Strain each vinegar into a clean oil or vinegar bottle and discard the aromatics. Enjoy!

The vinegars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months.