POMEGRANATE SPARKLER

• 1 part Grey Goose Vodka
• ¾ part Elderflower Liqueur
• 1 part Pomegranate Juice
• ¾ Blood Orange Juice
• Dash Simple Syrup
• Splash of Champagne

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine first 5 ingredients and shake vigorously.  Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne.  Garnish with Pomegranate seeds.

 

A NIGHT IN BANKOK

• 1 ½ parts Grey Goose Vodka  (infused with Thai chilis) **
• ¾ part Lime Juice
• ¾ part Simple Syrup
• ¾ part Mezcal
• 2 parts Kosher Salt
• 1 part Crushed Black Pepper
• 1 Cucumber Slice
• 1 Spring of Cilantro

Combine Kosher Salt and black pepper.  Rim an old fashioned glass with seasame oil and dip in the Kosher Salt/crushed black pepper mix.  Muddle cucumber and cilantro in a cocktail shaker, add ingredients and ice.  Shake and double strain into the rocks glass.  Garnish with a slice of cucumber and cilantro leaf.

**How to infuse Vodka with Chili Peppers

In general, always choose the freshest chili peppers for your infusions. Dried chili peppers also work great. Wash the peppers and slit them lengthwise so they do not float. You can also chop them into smaller pieces for a stronger infusion.  Habanero peppers are ideal for infusions as they pack a great deal of heat and flavor, but you can realistically use any type of chili pepper, like the fabulous  HYPERLINK “https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/medium-heat-chili-peppers/jalapeno-peppers/” jalapeno or the smoky  HYPERLINK “https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/medium-heat-chili-peppers/chipotle-chili-peppers/” chipotle.  The amount of chili peppers will depend on your preference, though you can use anywhere from 1 chili pepper for a milder infusion to a dozen for a flavor blast.  2 to 3 peppers are typical.

The chili peppers will eventually sink and your infused alcohol will be ready for consumption in anywhere from several hours to 3 or 4 weeks.  The longer you let the peppers steep in the alcohol, the more chili pepper flavor and heat you will get, though eventually, the peppers can begin to break down if they are left in long enough.  If you want your pepper infused vodka to last longer, strain out the chili peppers and cap the bottle. This will let you keep the alcohol for much longer, to be used in all of your favorite cocktail recipes.

Mason jars with lids are excellent vessels for vodka infusing.

 

WHITE RUSSIAN

• 1 ½ part Grey Goose Vodka
• 1 part coffee liqueur
• ½ part heavy cream
• ½ part whole milk

Blend ingredients in a rocks glass.  Add cubed ice and stir.