As autumn fully arrives, cravings for warmth and comfort grow. A spiced vodka and citrus cocktail with nut liqueur fits that need perfectly, with a slice of carrot cake as an optional extra.
The Have Your Cake and Drink It Recipe
This recipe serves one person. The vodka infusion makes enough for seven to eight servings.
For the vodka infusion (7-8 serves):
- Peel of 1 unwaxed lemon, all white pith removed
- 375ml good vodka – Belvedere is used
For the drink:
- 50ml lemon peel-infused vodka
- 15ml hazelnut liqueur – Frangelico is used
- 15ml vanilla syrup – homemade or store-bought (Bristol Syrup Co make a good one)
- 15ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml fresh orange juice
- 15ml fresh carrot juice
- 6 dashes foamer, or 1 egg white
- 4 dashes aromatic bitters (Angostura aromatic is used), or 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 orange slice, to garnish (or 1 slice carrot cake, to accompany)
Preparation and Serving
The night before, infuse the vodka: put the lemon peel and vodka in a jar, seal and leave to steep overnight. The next day, strain the vodka into a clean jar or bottle, seal and store in a cupboard out of direct light, where it will keep almost indefinitely.
To build the drink, measure all the liquids into a shaker filled with ice, shake hard, then double strain into a coupe. Garnish with an orange slice, or serve with carrot cake to nibble on alongside.
The recipe comes from Bruce Dorfling, bar manager at Palé Hall in Bala, Gwynedd, Wales.
