Fig & Vanilla Vodka

I’ve been meaning to try infusing vodka with various flavors for what feels like forever now.  This weekend provided me with the perfect opportunity as I had some leftover figs from preparing this delectableappetizer.  Fresh figs and vanilla beans could make even the crappiest vodka taste lovely.  Keep note you have to let this sit for at least one week.  As it sits the figs give off this beautiful purple color.  I’m currently brainstorming cocktail creations.  Stay tuned… 

Ingredients:

• 1 mason jar
• vodka (doesn’t have to be the best, don’t worry I’m not judging you)
• fresh figs (I used 4)
• 1 vanilla bean

Directions:
Clean and sterilize jar.
Clean and slice figs. Place in the jar.
Slice a vanilla bean pod in half.  Place it into the jar with the figs.
Poor vodka over the figs and vanilla bean. Seal and let sit for one week.
Strain and serve chilled just as it is or, in your own cocktail creation.

Mojito Jello Shots

This past weekend we celebrated Christian's 35th birthday.  In order to get the party started on the right track I passed around these refreshing and super cute mojito jello shots.  Their minty, sweet, and sour kick are everything you love about a mojito.  The recipe is pretty simple and makes a big impact:

Mojito Jello Shots
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
10 limes
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 stems fresh mint leaves
1 cup white rum

In a pot, combine the water and sugar over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin. Add the lime juice and 2 mint stems (with leaves). Allowto steep for 12-15 minutes. Remove the mint stems and stir in the rum.
Slice your limes in half lengthwise.
Hollow out the lime shells.  Not gonna lie this was a pain in the a**, but after you get your method down it goes by quickly.  I found that a melon baller and my fingernails worked best.  They don't have to look perfect, btw.
Fill each lime shell with the jello mixture and sprinkle in some chopped fresh mint (from the remaining leaves on that 3rd stem). Place in the refrigerator and allow to set for at least 3 hours.
Once the gelatin has set cut shells in half and prepare to amaze your guests!
Makes 40 slices.

St. Germain Margarita

With all the yummy food to eat on Cinco de Mayo it is important to have something equally as tasty to wash it all down with.  Enter the St. Germain Margarita aka The St. Rita.  St. Germain is an artisanal French liqueur made from freshly picked elderflower blossoms.  The taste is very floral and fruity.  I usually enjoy it with champange, but today we are mixing it up with some tequila blanco for a new take on the traditional margarita.  It's kind of like a trip to Mexico in a glass.

 

St. Germain Margarita

2oz tequila blanco

1oz St. Germain Liqueur

1oz freshly squeezed lime juice

1tsp simple syrup or super fine sugar for added sweetness (optional)

salt for rimming

 

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass (salted rim optional). Garnish with lime wedge.  Enjoy!

 



Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!

{Watermelon & Cucumber Tonic}

I'm sooo happy the weekend is finally here.  It has been quite a week and I am more than ready to just relax.  Hoping the weather allows for some much needed time spent outdoors.  Come rain or shine I definitely plan on enjoying a cockail or two.  Here are a few via my Pinterest boards.  Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! XO

 {Pineapple Arugula Mojito}

{Raspberry & Serrano Sangria}

Video: Pumpkin Pie Martini

This is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail.  The blend of pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla is literally like drinking a glass of pumpkin pie.  For the full recipe and directions click here.

I made the following substitutions

• Used just cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice
• made a shortbread cookie rimmer instead of sugar and pumpkin pie spice to give it that "crust" effect
• Used regular vodka.

Enjoy!

Guava Pineapple Passion Sangria

I made this sangria on Mother's Day and it's pretty safe to say it was a hit. My version is loosely based on this recipe. I made the following changes:

• Used Riesling instead of rose
• Added a can of passion fruit juice
• Omitted the cinnamon sticks
• Omitted the pineapple chunks; instead sliced up an orange, yellow apple, and green pear

Cheers to a great weekend! ; )