Huckleberry Vodka Infusion - Stage 2

As promised, here is Stage 2 of huckleberry infused vodka!

No chit chat, I am just going to get right into it here (what? I am thirsty!)

Step 1: To tell if it is ready - you have to open it and sip it. It's a tough job, but you can handle it!

That is really the only way to tell because each to their own in flavor strength

Step 2: If it's ready, you can optionally remove the berries.

I choose not to remove/strain berries. 

Not because they have much of a taste left, but because they look so pretty floating around in the glass. (Think accessories for your drink - and Rachel Zoe says you can never over accessorize, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

Step 3: Pour desired amount into a glass over ice 

Don't spill like I did!!

Step 4: The mixer

I chose tonic water, but I also love it with soda water

Personally, I like a minimally or mildly flavored mixer because I really wanted to enjoy the flavor I created with my infusion

Step 5: I still can't get over my new mason jar wine glass! It's too fun, and you can even put a lid on them!

Watch out, because I learned how to make them, and you might get one for Christmas!

 

Step 6: Make one for your man, friend, mom, neighbor, roommate - because this is too delightful not to go around.

Huckleberry Vodka Infusion - Stage 1

TGIF & hellooo huckleberries! I am excited to share this infusion, because it is just so delicious and refreshing for these dog days of summer.

Infusions are fun and you can throw in whatever fruit or veggie that is in season. I found some huckleberries in the freezer from last summer and decided the best way to use them up is to dump them in vodka!

The thing I love most about infusions is that even though you can buy the same flavor off the shelf at the liquor store, it just doesn't taste as good as the real fruit flavor. So in honor of huckleberry season coming up, I bring you huckleberry (hiccup) infused vodka!

What you need: mason jar, vodka, & huckleberries (or berries of your choice).

Step 1: fill jar at least 3/4 full of berries (mine are frozen - they can be either fresh or frozen)

Step 2: Pour the vodka into the mason jar

Step 3: Put on the lid

Step 4: Store for about 3 days, berry infusions tend to infuse pretty quick

Shake gently once a day

Stay tuned for stage 2 (yes, this is the stage you get to drink it)!

Whip Cream Raspberry Dream

It's Friday!! I am celebrating with a drink recipe! And it's a good one, so hold on to your cups!

 

All week I have been hearing about this new "Whip Cream" flavored vodka. Co-workers and I debated what you would mix it with, and we came up with some great ideas, orange soda, jello shooters, milk, diet soda, Kahlua, etc, etc. Well I couldn't resist picking up a bottle after work, and putting it to the test. I might even try it twice for quality control! What? It's Friday!

The best part, at 121 calories and 2.5 g sugar a glass, it isn't toooo bad for you. 1 glass has about the same calories as a microbrew or a big glass of red wine. So all in all, don't feel that guilty for this pleasure.

Without further ado, here's the drink:
1.5 oz Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka
1 T Coffeemate Chocolate Raspberry Creamer
Diet Pepsi (or coke)
Pour over ice, mix, sip, then melt into your recliner and watch Real Housewives reruns!

Healthy twist: Leave out the creamer or use skim milk!