Cranberry Orange Vodka Food

CRANBERRY-AND-ORANGE VODKA

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, heat cranberries, sugar, and water until the sugar dissolves, the liquid begins to turn a light-pink color, and the cranberries just begin to pop. Pour the cranberries and the liquid into a large glass jar; stir in peel and vodka. Cover, and let stand at room temperature at least 3 days or up to one month. Strain before serving.

CRANBERRY-ORANGE VODKA SLUSH

Steps:

• In a 5-qt. bowl, mix water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Stir in juice concentrates and vodka until blended. Transfer to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion; freeze overnight., To serve, place 2/3 cup slush in each glass. Add 1/3 cup soda.

CRANBERRY-ORANGE VODKA

Steps:

• Place cranberries, sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Place pan over medium heat and stir. Simmer cranberry mixture until the berries burst, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Place orange peels in a large glass container with an airtight lid, or large mason jars with lids. Pour vodka over the orange peels.
• Allow the cranberry mixture to cool. Pour the cooled mixture into the glass container(s). Cover tightly and set aside for 1 week. After 1 week, strain out the cranberries sand orange peels and pour mixture into a clean bottle, using a funnel. Store vodka in the refrigerator.
• To serve: Pour 2 ounces of vodka mixture over ice in a tall glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lime.

CRANBERRY-ORANGE-CINNAMON VODKA TONIC

Steps:

• For the simple syrup: Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. When the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and cool the syrup to room temperature.
• For the vodka tonic: Muddle the cranberries, orange peel and 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup (depending on how sweet you like your drink) in a rocks glass. Add the orange juice, vodka and orange liquor, fill 3/4 of way with the tonic and add ice cubes. Serve immediately. Reserve the remaining simple syrup for another use. It will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 month.

CRANBERRY-ORANGE MULE

Steps:

• For the cranberry vodka: Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange peel and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the cranberries soften and pop, about 5 minutes.
• Pour the vodka into a large heatproof jar, then add the cranberry mixture. Let sit at room temperature for at least 3 days or up to 1 week. Strain and chill in the refrigerator before using.
• For the cranberry-orange mule: Mix together the ginger beer, cranberry vodka, lime juice and orange slices in a pitcher. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with skewers of Sugared Cranberries.
• Combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cranberries and weight with a plate to submerge. Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 48 hours. Strain the cranberries, reserving the syrup. (Refrigerate leftover syrup in an airtight container for up to 1 month.)
• Spread the superfine sugar on a baking sheet and toss the cranberries in the sugar. Refrigerate on the baking sheet, uncovered, for 1 hour. Toss again in the sugar before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.