Lavender Blossom Martini

Lavender Blossom Martini
As shared from the kitchen of Once Upon a Plate by Mari
(www.onceuponaplate1.com)
Ingredients:
Cocktail Shaker
Ice
Vodka; preferably "Rain Organic" Lavender Lemonade Vodka
St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
Lavender Flower Syrup (if not available substitute Lavender Simple Syrup, recipe below)
Lavender sprigs (optional)
For one drink:
1 1/2 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce Elderberry Liqueur
1/2 ounce Lavender Syrup
Lavender sprig for garnish
Method: Place all ingredient (except lavender sprig) in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, pour into martini glass, garnish with lavender sprig and enjoy.
Lavender Simple Syrup

1 tablespoon dried lavender blossoms (organic, culinary lavender only.)
1/2 cup sugar (If you like a sweeter syrup, add more ~ up to a cup of sugar)
1 cup water

In a small saucepan combine the sugar and water, bring to a boil, stir to dissolve sugar. Add lavender to pan and remove from heat; allow to cool to room temperature then strain lavender blossoms from the syrup.

Store strained syrup in a glass or ceramic container, cover and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

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Clementine (or Orange) Flavored Vodka and Liqueur

Clementine (or Orange) Flavored Vodka and Liqueur As shared from the kitchen of Once Upon a Plate
Makes about 1 quart

This recipe is based on one from the cookbook  Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It: And Other Cooking Projects by Karen Solomon.

Karen's recipe uses oranges, but I used Clementines ~ and I also suggest a couple of optional  ingredients for the liqueur recipe. 

You may enjoy the flavored vodka, or take it a step further by adding a simple syrup and allowing it to age into a delightful liqueur.


Clementine (or Orange)-Flavored Vodka

1 quart inexpensive vodka
5 or 6 sweet Clementines, or 4 sweet oranges (Navel or Valencia) Organic if possible
1 large jar with tight fitting lid

Wash and dry jar and lid.  Wash fruit and cut each into 4 to 6 slices. Place fruit in the jar and pour vodka over. Tighten lid and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks, shaking the jar once a day. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth.  Return the vodka to a jar, and put it back in it’s cool, dark place to age for 3 weeks to mature the flavor.


Clementine (or Orange) Liqueur

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 cups clementine (or orange)-flavored vodka  from recipe above.
Optional:  1/4 cup Mandarin flavored Vodka,  1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other Orange liqueur

To make simple syrup :  In a saucepan combine sugar and water, place over medium heat, until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat, set aside to cool completely.

Pour the flavored vodka into a jar, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the simple syrup (and optional ingredients if using), taste.  If you prefer a sweeter liqueur add more of the simple syrup to taste. Secure lid tightly, label jar and store in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks.

(If you can wait that long!) 

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Frozen Hot Buttered Rum

Frozen Hot Buttered Rum
As shared by the kitchen of Once Upon a Plate
4 servings

Notes: Way better than spiked eggnog!!

1 pint good quality vanilla ice cream
½ cup crushed ice
¼ cup Myers's (Dark Jamaican) rum
¼ cup Buttershots Liqueur (sometimes called Butterscotch Liqueur)
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a blender, crush the ice, add remaining ingredients and blend until mixture is the consistency of a slushy, icy milkshake.

Add more Myers's Rum and Buttershots as desired.

Cheers & Enjoy!

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