Category Archives: Drinks

Rhubarb Sparkler

18 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by in Drinks, Spring

≈ 5 Comments

rhubarb, rhubarb cocktailIf there is a heaven, it will be catered by me. I will serve the best food and drinks you can possibly imagine, and the freshest fruits and vegetables will be ever abundant. Included on the menu will be this rhubarb cocktail. Rhubarb’s distinctively tart flavor and rosy hue make this the ultimate spring and early summer cocktail. rhubarb, rhubarb cocktailThe rhubarb syrup is easy to make and keeps in the refrigerator about a week, but I bet you it won’t last that long. Since this is a syrup instead of an infused liquor, you can combine it with soda or lemonade to make a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. However, if you are in need of a few adult libations, than vodka is the perfect addition to this sparkling wonder. The bright, grassy tartness of rhubarb really shines in this refreshing cocktail that makes for the happiest of hours.

Ingredients:
  • 4 cups rhubarb (or 1 lb), chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • sugar to taste (I used less than 1/4 cup, you want the rhubarb to be a little tart)
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • club soda
  • vodka
  • lemon
  • mint

In a saucepan, bring the water, sugar, rhubarb, and vanilla bean to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the rhubarb is very soft. Strain the liquid from the fruit and vanilla bean using a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Return the liquid to the stove to reduce further, about 20 more minutes. Allow the syrup to cool (it won’t be as thick as regular simple syrup because of the small amount of sugar used). Mix with club soda, vodka, lemon wedges, and mint sprigs. Enjoy!rhubarb, rhubarb cocktail

Rosemary Infused Vodka

04 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by in Drinks

≈ 6 Comments

vodkaHomemade flavored vodka is so easy to make and well worth the little effort. You can make just about any flavor you can imagine – my personal favoritesvodka2 are vanilla, raspberry, and rosemary. Just take a mason jar, fill it with your choice of premium vodka (I use Ketel One), add your infusion ingredients, seal and place in a cool, dark place. Every few days shake the jar and taste your infusion to see how it’s coming along. Some ingredients take longer to infuse than others. Stronger-flavored ingredients like rosemary only take 2-3 days. Vanilla beans take about a week and raspberries take 1-2 weeks. When your vodka has reached a desired flavor level, strain the ingredients out and re-jar. You can now keep it in the refrigerator almost indefinitely, but I guarantee it won’t last long! Just mix with club soda, fresh lemon or lime, and enjoy!