Thursday, December 30, 2010

DIY: Hot Apple Pies

Posted by Katie

It's become a little tradition for my mom and me to try out new drink recipes when I come home for the holidays. Last Thanksgiving, we made these amazing Cranberry Margaritas and last Christmas we tried our hand at Mulled Wine. This year, my mom suggested that we return to a drink that she and my dad used to order during their ski trips to Tahoe: Hot Apple Pies.


Hot Apple Pies are made with Tuaca, an Italian liquor crafted from brandy, sugar, citrus and vanilla. They're so easy to make and they're nice and cozy too. Perfect for a movie night with the fam.

What You'll Need: 


- Tuaca liquor (find it at any liquor store)
- Apple cider
- Whipped cream (make your own...or not)
- Cinnamon sticks

Step 1: Warm the cider with a cinnamon stick or two
I did this on the stove, but you really could just pop the cider in the microwave. Probably without the cinnamon though.


Step 2: Pour 2 oz of Tuaca into each glass
You'll want to use Irish Coffee glasses if you have them. Those are the ones that look like this:


I don't have any of those, so my next choice would be a mug or another glass with a handle since the drinks will be warm. But sometimes you might not have those either. In that case, just make sure the cider isn't too hot so you can hold the glass comfortably.

Step 3: Fill the glasses with warm cider


Step 4: Top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick
So easy, right?


Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

DIY: Pomegranate Martini

Posted by Kelly

I've been through many drink phases over the years. Starting with margaritas, then a college phase of bad mixed drinks, then lemon drops, then greyhounds, and now...Pomegranate Martinis. I made them for Thanksgiving and I'm ready to make them again at Christmas (I may have even made them tonight...there's just no wrong time to make them.)

What You'll Need:
- Vodka
- Triple Sec
- Pure Pomegranate Juice (not pomegranate juice cocktail)
- Fresh Lemon Juice (lime juice works also)
- Sugar
- Pomegranate Seeds




Step 1: Juice lemons.



Step 2: Sugar rim your martini glasses.



Step 3: Combine 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz triple sec, 1 oz pomegranate juice, and .5 oz fresh lemon juice in martini shaker. (Double to make cocktails for 2.) 




Step 4: Shake.

Step 5: Pour into your sugar rimmed martini glass and garnish with pomegranate seeds. 


Monday, December 20, 2010

DIY: Ginger Infused Vodka

Posted by Kelly


Finally, the last infusion of December, a Ginger Infused Vodka. I was inspired to make this infusion by my sister, a big fan of fresh ginger, and I think it will add a spicy, unique flavor to cocktails. Plus ginger is healthy for you right?

What You'll Need:
- 1 c. Fresh Ginger
- 750 ml Vodka
- 1 Glass Jar



Step 1: Peel and slice ginger.

Step 2: Add ginger to jar.

Step 3: Add vodka to jar and cap tightly.



Step 4: Let stand at room temperature for 48 hours, shaking gently once or twice a day.

Step 5: Taste for the preferred flavor intensity and allow to infuse up to 2 more days if needed.

Step 6: Strain vodka into original bottle then cap, label and refrigerate until ready to use. 




I hope these infusions were fun to make and inspired some "do it yourself" Christmas gifts!

Coming soon, a fabulous holiday cocktail...Pomegranate Martini!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

DIY: Pink Grapefruit Infused Vodka

Posted by Kelly


We are on the third of my four holiday infusions, are you making one each day?!

You simply can't go wrong with a citrus infused vodka. It's great for a straight up martini, lemon drop, summer cooler or citrus drop like this....(yum!)


I am especially looking forward to using this infusion in a fresh squeezed greyhound.

What You'll Need:
- 1 Large Pink Grapefruit
- 750 ml Vodka
- 1 Large Glass Jar or 2 Quart Jars
(the grapefruits take up a lot of space)


Step 1: Cut grapefruit into slices, leaving the skin on.


Step 2: Put grapefruit slices in jar(s).


Step 3: Add vodka to jar and seal tightly.




Step 4: Let stand at room temperature for 1 week and shake gently occasionally.

Step 5: Taste for preferred flavor intensity and allow to sit for another week if needed. 

Step 6: Strain vodka into original bottle then cap, label, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Just like the other recipes, I recommend a cute label, including a recipe, and a pretty bow!



Friday, December 17, 2010

DIY: Cucumber Infused Vodka (plus bonus Emlit recipe!)

Posted by Kelly

I am particularly excited about my Cucumber Infused Vodka since my favorite cocktail is currently the Emlit at Elephants Delicatessen (gin, muddle cucumber and mint, lime juice and simple syrup.) I can't wait to try it with this infused vodka!

This infusion takes 3 weeks, so it won't be poured back into the original bottle in time for Christmas, but I'm not worried since this is the prettiest of the infusions (I think.) Plus I still plan to include a labeled bottle, with accompanying drink recipe and a fancy holiday ribbon around the jar!

What You'll Need:
- 1 c. English Cucumber, Sliced
- 750 ml Vodka
- 1 Glass Jar


Step 1: Wash and slice cucumbers.




Step 2: Place cucumbers in jar.


Step 3: Add vodka to jar and cap tightly.




Step 4: Let stand at room temperature for 3 weeks, shaking gently every couple of days.


Step 5: Taste for preferred flavor intensity and allow to infuse for up to another week if needed.


Step 6: Strain vodka into original bottle then cap, label and refrigerate until ready to use. 


Below is a label idea and the infusion recipe if you want to create a DIY gift.



 I would also recommend trying the cucumber vodka in this Emlit recipe. Once I test it out in January I will be sure to report back!


 Good luck infusing!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

DIY: Espresso Infused Vodka (plus a bonus Espresso Martini recipe)

Posted by Kelly

Lets start our infusion frenzy with an Espresso Infused Vodka. This is the most simple recipe, yet sounds the most fancy. This will surely impress your friends and family, but not cause you a second of stress!

What You'll Need:
- 20 Espresso Beans
- 750 ml Vodka
- 1 Glass Jar


Step 1: Count and set aside 20 espresso beans.




They look pretty, smell wonderful, and one bag of coffee beans will make a lot of infusions!

Step 2: Put coffee beans in glass jar.


Step 3: Add vodka to jar and seal tightly.




Step 4: Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours shaking gently occasionally.


Step 5: Taste for preferred flavor intensity and allow to sit for another day if needed. 


Step 6: Strain vodka into original bottle then cap, label, and refrigerate until ready to use.


After straining the vodka back into the original bottle you have an opportunity to make your gift even more unique. You can create your own label like this one that I made:



You could also include a label or tag that suggests a drink recipe for the infused vodka.



Another cute option for an infused vodka present would be to create a "Do It Yourself" gift. Label the bottle, supply the ingredients (in cute packaging of course), and include the infusion recipe so they can try it out themselves!


Tie a fancy ribbon around the bottle and this infusion is a great Christmas present or housewarming gift for any time of year!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Holiday Gift Idea: Homemade Vodka Infusions!

Every Christmas I am on the look out for meaningful, fun, and affordable gifts for my friends and family. This was especially true during my college years. This year I suggest Vodka Infusions! They are easy, fairly inexpensive, and give you an opportunity to personalize your present. 

Coming soon I'll give you the recipes for four simple infusions (Ginger Vodka, Espresso Vodka, Grapefruit Vodka, and Cucumber Vodka) and special ways to spruce them up!