Vodka Soaked Fruit Food

VODKA SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook 2 chopped shallots in a skillet with 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat, about 3 minutes. Add 3/4 cup heavy cream, 2 cups Perfect Marinara Sauce (see Cook's Note) and a pinch of red pepper flakes; heat through. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan and 1 to 2 tablespoons vodka; season with salt. Toss with penne.

BOOZY MELON THREE WAYS

Steps:

• Tequila-Soaked Watermelon: Place sugar, tequila, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly. Arrange watermelon in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over fruit. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours and up to 1 day. Serve with mint and a drizzle of syrup; sprinkle with flaky salt and squeeze with lime juice.
• Gin-Soaked Honeydew: Place sugar, gin, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly. Arrange honeydew in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over fruit. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours and up to 1 day. Serve with tarragon and a drizzle of syrup; sprinkle with flaky salt and squeeze with lime juice.
• Vodka-Soaked Cantaloupe: Place sugar, vodka, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly. Arrange cantaloupe in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over fruit. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours and up to 1 day. Serve with basil and a drizzle of syrup; sprinkle with flaky salt and squeeze with lime juice.

FRUIT-INFUSED VODKA

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, jar, or plastic container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for at least 5 days, preferably a couple of weeks; taste periodically and you will know when it is ready.
• Strain and store the vodka in the refrigerator or freezer.