Sweet Heat

I was doing my regular run through at Home Goods when I came across Rokz Ginger Cardamom infusion. Yum, I thought, so I took it home, added Tito's vodka, letting it infuse in freezer for three days. Then I strained the ginger/cardamom mix out of the vodka, and voila! a tasty but sweet vodka emerged. The ginger is strong in flavor, which I love. For those that do not like ginger, this is not for you.

I knew that I would need a cocktail to make with my new creation, so I went online to the Rokz website which promised to have recipes for their infusions. I settled on their Sweet Heat.

It was definitely delicious and the lime juice takes the edge of the infused vodka. When I make it again tonight, I will be adding more vodka to it (at least a half ounce) as it was a bit weak for my tastes (my husband and guests agreed).

Since I didn't have the Rokz "sweet heat" sugar, I made my own from raw sugar, cayenne pepper and black pepper, wetting the rims of the glasses with Agave Nectar to coat.

Here are our neighbors being my guinea pigs for this new tipple to my repertoire! ;-) Thanks for being such great sports, and bringing that delectable smoked salmon chipotle dip, which added some heat of its own!

Vieux Carre

Apparently a NOLA oldie, this is an easy sipper. Robust and earthy, yet sweet like honey. Warms the chest on a cold, late winter night.