How to Infuse Liquor

Strawberry-infused Vodka

For those who have never infused liquor before, leaving porous substances (i.e. sliced fruit, meat, etc.) in alcohol for long durations of time (i.e. more than 72 hours) changes the texture of the liquid, thickening it.

Citrus fruit and herbs are exempt from this, but bacon and sliced strawberries are great examples of porous substances.

Infusing liquor is very easy. To make an absolutely amazing berry-infused vodka or berry-infused rum, follow these simple steps:

Take a large container that can be sealed air-tight and add a bottle of your liquor of choice and whole berries (rinsed and patted dry) - do not cut the stems or greens off the berry.

Then seal the container and leave it to infused for 4 to 6 weeks. Yes, I said 4 to 6 weeks.

Open the container and strain the berry-infused liquor into a glass bottle. Serve over ice and enjoy!

The Ultimate Christmas Champagne Cocktail

Not too sweet, but crisp and perfect with a holiday dessert, this is the Ultimate Christmas Champagne Cocktail!

Ingredients for the Christmas Champagne Cocktail- 4 oz. Champagne or Sparkling Wine
- 1 oz. Grand Marnier
- 3 brandied cherries (the best pre-made can be found at Whole Foods, behind the cheese counter)

Preperation

Combine the Champagne or Sparkling Wine with the Grand Marnier in a chilled cocktail shaker or pint glass. Stir gently. Pour into champagne glasses and add 3-4 brandied cherries. Serve. Drink.

Enjoy!

A Case of Cocktail Plagiarism

Unbelievable... United Airlines just staked claim on a mixer that has already been well established. They’re calling it the “Sunrise Sunset”, but I believe it’s more commonly known by bartenders and drinkers alike as the “Madras”. In fact, this drink hit its high in popularity in the 80’s, according to Marissa Walsh, author of “Tipsy in Madras”.

What’s the difference between the Madras and the Sunrise Sunset mixed drink? United uses cran-apple juice instead of cranberry in their cocktail. Is United Airlines now entitled to sue a bar for using cran-apple juice instead of plain cranberry and serving it up as a “Madras” to their customers?

Apparently, United thought so highly of their “new” drink that they decided to publish a press release about it. Are they aware that their new signature cocktail already existed? There’s no mention of the Madras in their press release. Maybe they’re just hoping that their plagiarism of the popular Madras mixer will go unnoticed…

Irish Hot Chocolate

The Irish Hot Chocolate is my absolute favorite drink on cold, rainy or snowy days. This hot chocolate cocktail isn't too sweet and it'll warm you up in a heartbeat!


Ingredients for the Irish Hot Chocolate:


-    Milk (I prefer non-fat or skim)
-    Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 Tbs. per 8oz.
-    Bailey’s Irish Cream
-    Optional: 1/2 a shot of dark rum to give it an extra kick


In a small pot, heat the milk slowly on the stove (medium low), stirring frequently. Do not bring to a boil or even a simmer. As soon as you see steam, turn the stove off. Slowly sift cocoa powder into the milk, stirring regularly (to prevent clumping). Once all of the cocoa powder has been added and has been thoroughly mixed in with the milk, return the pot to the heat and stir regularly until very hot. Turn the stove off (do not remove the pot from the stove) and add the Bailey’s Irish Cream.


Pour the mixture into your favorite mug, sprinkle a little cocoa powder on top and enjoy!