How are most flavored spirits made?

Most flavored spirits are made by infusing the base spirit with fruits, herbs, or spices. This method involves steeping or macerating these flavoring agents in the base spirit, allowing their natural flavors, aromas, and colors to be extracted and incorporated into the final product. This process not only enhances the taste profile of the spirit but also maintains a more authentic flavor experience that can be closely tied to the ingredients used.

The infusion process can vary in length and technique, with some distilleries opting for cold infusion methods while others might choose to heat the mixture to speed up the extraction. This versatility allows for a wide range of flavored spirits, catering to various consumer preferences and trends in the beverage industry.

In contrast, adding artificial sweeteners typically alters the flavor profile without enhancing the spirit's natural qualities, while distilling with additional alcohol does not contribute to flavor diversity. Mixing multiple base spirits together may result in unique blends, but it doesn't create truly flavored spirits in the same way that infusion does. Thus, the correct answer highlights the fundamental process of flavor addition that is most commonly used in the crafting of flavored spirits.