What is “infusion” in relation to spirits?

Infusion refers to the process of soaking herbs, fruits, spices, or other flavoring agents in spirits to extract their flavors and create a more complex and aromatic final product. This technique allows the essential oils and flavors from the ingredients to meld with the alcohol, enhancing the overall taste profile of the spirit.

For example, if a bartender were to infuse vodka with fresh raspberries, the resulting mixture would take on the color, aroma, and flavor characteristics of the raspberries, creating a unique raspberry-infused vodka that can be used in cocktails. Infusion methods can vary in duration and temperature, depending on the desired intensity of flavor.

The other options don't accurately capture the essence of infusion. Combining different spirits together pertains to the blending of alcohols rather than the extraction process. Mixing spirits with soda involves creating a mixed drink while diluting spirits with water changes the potency of the drink rather than adding flavor through infusion.