Make Herb Vinegars

Last Updated on March 30, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Wondering how to make flavored balsamic vinegar? Learn how to make herb vinegars with these infused vinegar recipes.

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Wondering how to make flavored balsamic vinegar? Learn how to make herb vinegars with these infused vinegar recipes.

Make Herb Vinegars

Herb vinegars are cheap to make and add a delicious flavor to salads and vegetables. You’ve probably seen expensive bottles of flavored vinegar at your favorite food store.

Before you spend too much money on these pre-made infused vinegars, keep reading to find out how easy it is to make yourself.

This post was initially created in 2013. It has been updated with more information. The video is original.

What is herb vinegar?

Herb vinegar is simply vinegar that has been flavored with fresh herbs, spices, or other ingredients. It’s a great way to add extra flavor to your favorite recipes.

You can use any type of vinegar for this recipe: apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, etc.

What kind of vinegar can I use?

  • White wine vinegar
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • White balsamic vinegar
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Champagne vinegar

herbs on a cutting board

What kind of herbs can I use?

The sky is the limit when it comes to flavoring your vinegar. Some of our favorite herbs to use are:

  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Oregano
  • Dill
  • Sage
  • Peppermint
  • Tarragon
  • Parsley

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs to make your vinegar, but the taste will be better with fresh. We recommend using about one tablespoon of dried herbs for every cup of vinegar.
apples and apple cider vinegar in a bottle

Can I use apple cider vinegar?

Yes, you can use any type of vinegar for this recipe. Apple cider vinegar works well in making fruit vinegar.

What else can I add to my vinegar?

In addition to herbs, you can also add spices, fruits, and vegetables to your vinegar. Some of our favorite flavor combinations are:

  • Garlic and basil
  • Thyme and lemon zest
  • Rosemary sprigs and orange
  • Dill and cucumber
  • Fresh ginger
  • Ground spices
  • Fresh fruit
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries
  • Lemon zest
  • Garlic cloves
  • Whole cloves

Wondering how to make flavored balsamic vinegar? Learn how to make herb vinegars with these infused vinegar recipes.

Are flavored vinegars healthy?

Yes, balsamic vinegar is very healthy for you. It contains antioxidants and has been linked to several health benefits, such as lower cholesterol levels and improved digestion.

What is in infused vinegars?

Infused vinegar is made by adding natural flavors to traditional balsamic vinegar. There are no artificial ingredients or preservatives in herb-infused vinegar.

How is infused vinegar made?

The process of making your own infused vinegar is straightforward. All you need to do is add your desired flavors to a bottle of balsamic vinegar and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Letting it sit longer will result in a better taste.

Is there sugar in her infused vinegar?

No, there is no sugar in infused vinegar. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the balsamic vinegar.

a bowl of tomato and onion salad

What do you use infused vinegar for?

One of the best things about making infused vinegar is that it can be used in many different ways. Here are some of our favorite ways to use them:

  • Salad dressing. Pour vinegar over salads for extra flavor,
  • Use it as a base for marinades with olive oil for chicken or fish.
  • Drizzle it over roasted or steamed veggies.
  • Add it to homemade vinaigrettes.
  • Use it in place of plain vinegar when pickling vegetables.
  • Add it to pasta salad for a delicious taste

How long does herb-infused vinegar last?

Herb vinegar will last several months, but the flavor will be best if used within the first few weeks. After a few weeks, the flavors will start to fade.

The shelf life of infused vinegar is typically shorter than plain vinegar because of the fresh ingredients used to flavor them.

a pantry stocked with food

How should I store my flavored vinegar?

You should store your herb vinegar in a cool, dark place. Light and heat can cause the flavors to fade, so keeping them in a cupboard or pantry is best.

If you live in a warm climate, you may want to keep it in the fridge to prevent the flavors from going bad.

How do I know if my herb vinegar has gone bad?

If your herb vinegar starts to smell sour or vinegary, it’s probably time to toss it. Vinegar is a natural preservative so that it will last for quite a while. However, the flavor will start to degrade over time.

If you see any mold growing on your herb vinegar, it’s time to throw it out. Vinegar is a natural antimicrobial, so mold signifies something has gone wrong.

clear glass bottles on the counter in the kitchen

What type of bottle do I use for flavored vinegars?

You can use any type of bottle for your herb vinegar. We recommend using a pretty glass bottle if you plan on giving it as a gift.

If you’re using it regularly, any type of bottle with a tight-fitting lid will work. Just make sure to wash it well before adding the vinegar.

It’s important to use sterilized jars and cap them tightly to keep them fresh. These bottles work great.

Wondering how to make flavored balsamic vinegar? Learn how to make herb vinegars with these infused vinegar recipes.

How to make infused vinegar

Making your own herb vinegar is simple and only takes a few minutes of active prep time. All you need is a bottle of balsamic vinegar and your desired flavors.

Start by adding fresh herbs, spices, or fruit to the bottle. Then, fill the rest of the way with vinegar. Make sure to leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the bottle.

Tightly screw on the lid and give it a good shake to combine everything. Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours before using. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be.

Once the vinegar is infused, you can use it in any recipe that uses vinegar. It’s delicious in salad dressings, marinades, and vinaigrettes.

If you want to give it as a gift, strain out the herbs or fruit and transfer it to a pretty glass bottle. Be sure to include the infusion date on the label so they know how long it’s been sitting.

dark glass bottles near herbs on a cutting board

What are some tips for making infused vinegar

Here are a few tips to help you make the best flavored vinegar:

  • Use high quality vinegar. The better the quality of vinegar, the better the flavor will be.
  • Use fresh herbs and spices. Dried herbs can be used, but the flavor won’t be as strong.
  • Let it sit for at least 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to really infuse into the vinegar.
  • Store it in a cool, dark place. Light and heat can cause the flavors to fade.
  • If you live in a warm climate, keep it in the fridge.
  • Use it within a few weeks for best flavor. The flavor will start to degrade over time.
  • If you see mold, throw it out. Vinegar is a natural antimicrobial, so mold is a sign that something has gone wrong.

Making your own flavored vinegar is a great way to add some extra flavor to your cooking. It’s also a healthy and preservative-free option. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own delicious vinegar at home.

Yield: 3

Make Herb Vinegars

Wondering how to make flavored balsamic vinegar? Learn how to make herb vinegars with these infused vinegar recipes.

Wondering how to make flavored balsamic vinegar? Learn how to make herb vinegars with these infused vinegar recipes.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 48 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of balsamic vinegar
  • sprigs of fresh herbs
  • garlic cloves

Instructions

  1. Start by adding fresh herbs, spices, or fruit to the bottle. Then, fill the rest of the way with vinegar. Make sure to leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the bottle.
  2. Tightly screw on the lid and give it a good shake to combine everything. Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours before using. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be.
  3. Once the vinegar is infused, you can use it in any recipe that uses vinegar. It’s delicious in salad dressings, marinades, and vinaigrettes.
  4. If you want to give it as a gift, strain out the herbs or fruit and transfer it to a pretty glass bottle. Be sure to include the infusion date on the label so they know how long it’s been sitting.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

25

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

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34 thoughts on “Make Herb Vinegars”

  1. I didn't think I liked vinegar, so when I made salads, it would be oil only. Then I had a good salad made with decent vinegar and I went wild! I bought every kind of vinegar you can find - and would use it liberally. Good flavored vinegar is expensive, my favorite is raspberry. I want to try this when raspberries are in season. I had an herb garden a couple of years ago, and I wish I had know about this back then, as I didn't know what to do with tarragon, lemon thyme, a few others!
    Reply
  2. Have you ever made your own infused Olive oils? So easy. It's best to use dried herbs for it if you don't intend to refridgerate it. I have made garlic olive oil with real garlic cloves, but I infused that in the fridge.
    Reply
  3. I do recommend the cork rather than the metal top since it can get rusted from the vinegar.  I've tried all sorts of different combinations for my vinegars.
    Reply
  4. Oooh, I want to do this! My husband and I stumbled upon a fancy vinegar and oil store the other day and were talking about how much we'd love to make our own.
    Reply
  5. hey, I never thought about doing this. This is a great idea. Thank you for stopping by and joining up in the blog hop. I hope to see you next week too. Garrett @TheGrowingPatch www.growingpatch.com
    Reply
  6. I actually made something similar, not vinegar but flavored oil, using rosemary or lavender in vegetable oil. The aroma is so good.
    Reply
  7. First let me say that I never knew chive was an adorable little purplely flower. I feel silly now! Second, I would have never thought about flavored vinegar, but it does make sense. Thank you for sharing such a helpful video!
    Reply
  8. Sounds wonderful!! Visiting from the Pinterest Power (Link) Party & pinning {of course! ;)} Thanks for sharing!! Hope the upcoming weekend is a lovely one for you! -Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com
    Reply
  9. I wonder if that would make a difference for me - I can't stand vinegar, but having it flavored and using it as a dressing might be great - thanks for the idea!! Pinned!
    Reply

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