Warm Up with a Nip of Winter-Spiced Vodka

Just a quick nip to help warm our bones as we sit around the fire tonight.  Preparing for the eclipse.  Welcoming Yule.  Enjoying the longest night of the year.  It's the Winter Solstice!  

I hope everybody is making it through this week as joyfully as possible and that you enjoy these coming days with those you love.

Although I posted this amber, glowing, golden-hued vodka infused with the warmth of chile, cinnamon and other spices a couple of days ago over at Cocktail Puppy, I really wanted to share it with you here tonight.  It's super warming and will give your cheeks a rosy glow, for sure. Throw back a shot, mix it into a Bloody Mary for an extra kick, or make a festive Martini.  It's also a fun idea for holiday gifts because stored in a cool, dark place, it will keep well for at least a year!

Winter-Spiced Vodka

recipe from Nigella Christmas

makes 2 c.

1 tsp. whole coriander seeds

3 cardamom pods, bruised

½ tsp. whole cumin seed

1 cinnamon stick

1 whole dried chile

2 c. vodka

Begin by sterilizing your bottle(s) and let them cool.  Then simply slide all of your spices into the prepared bottle and pour the vodka in...either using a funnel or your fantastic free-flow skills like I did.  Because of course my funnel is lost.  Seal it.  Set it aside to steep in a cool, dark place.

For those of you looking for the Hearth and Soul Hop...it's on hold this week!  With so many people caught in the midst of holiday madness, we've decided to give the hop a week of rest.  Please come back next week and join us then!