The Importance of Clean Jars

• You must use a clean plastic jar when making an infusion. Before adding any vodka to the jar, rinse it with warm water and allow it to dry completely. When possible, use a new jar. Avoid using a jar that has previously contained strong flavors like barbeque or tomato sauce, as plastic sometimes absorbs their odors over time, and they are difficult to get rid of. You do not want to make a vodka infusion in a jar that is scented or discolored in any way.

The Basics of BPA

• Plastic slowly breaks down over time and releases chemicals in the process. These chemicals are found in higher concentrations in plastics that contain BPA. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, when consumed in low amounts, BPA has not been proved to be hazardous. It takes an extremely long time for plastic to decompose, with estimates of up to 450 years for one bottle. Vodka takes two weeks at most to infuse, so you have little to be worried about in terms of BPA when using a plastic jar.

How to Infuse

• Place the foods you want to infuse your vodka with into your jar -- berries, citrus and cucumbers are all common choices -- then fill the jar to the top with vodka. Seal the jar with an airtight lid and store it in a cool, dark place. This is a pivotal step, because exposure to heat or direct sunlight could compromise the integrity of your vodka and in extreme cases could even cause your plastic jar to melt. Shake the jar twice a day until the flavor is fully infused.

Storing Your Infusion

• After your flavors have fully infused, strain the vodka through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to separate the solid ingredients. You can return the strained vodka to your plastic jar or place it in a fresh container. Again, keep it in a cool, dark place, where it can last indefinitely, or store it in the refrigerator so that you can serve it chilled. Vodka infusions can be served on their own or used as mixers for cocktails.