MNfusion: Holiday Cocktail Recipes From Prairie Organic & UV Vodka

The holiday season is upon us, and for many that means endless get-togethers, gatherings and parties.

And often it means repeating flavors.

So this year, whether attending or hosting, spice things up with some new flavors, particularly when it comes to a holiday cocktail.

Entertaining doesn't always mean a drink is required, but for those who like to enjoy one Marla Burke, Marketing and Creative Director from Phillips Distilling Company offered up some special recipes just for the holiday season.

So surprise your guest with new flavors and help take the edge of off the increased family time with some of these recipes. *Recipes below

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Many people have their staple holiday cocktails – hot toddies, white Russians, etc. Why are these recipes good for the holidays?

Burke: These recipes offer cocktails that are specially crafted for the holiday season. Both the spirits and mixers evoke a sense of seasonal joy and celebration.

As vodka and gin are lighter alcohols and most people turn to darker libations for the winter months, how do you make gin and vodka more fitting for the colder season?

Burke: Both gin and vodka can be incorporated into a variety of winter drinks offering a unique twist to traditional dark spirit cocktails. For those who prefer a flavor that's crisp and garden-fresh, try using Prairie Organic Vodka in a Hot Toddy. For those who prefer a more colorful and flavorful experience, add UV Sririacha to hot cocoa for a spicy variation.

Those sound like very interesting flavors to try! Especially the UV Sririacha! So, why is Prairie Organic a good choice for holiday cocktails? How does it bring in the local flavor to your cocktail?

Burke: Prairie Organic Spirits are a perfect choice for holiday cocktails because of the quality of the spirits. They are made from organic corn grown on the Minnesota prairie, bringing a crisp, fresh flavor to cocktails. They also make great holiday infusions (i.e. star anise, cinnamon, etc.) to use in seasonal cocktails.

What about UV Vodka? Why is that a good choice for holiday cocktails?

Burke: UV Vodka is a great choice for the holidays because there is a flavor for every member of the family's taste preference. The color variations also are great as you can make festive holiday cocktails no matter what holiday you are celebrating.

Obviously a drink isn't required at a holiday party, but, for those who like to enjoy them, what does a good cocktail add to a holiday party?

Burke: A good cocktail adds a unique and special element to the atmosphere at a holiday party. It encourages guests to enjoy themselves, and raise a toast to family, friends, and a happy holiday.

Tell me, what is your favorite holiday cocktail?

Burke: I love taking traditional holiday beverages such as chai tea, eggnog, cider, cinnamon, ginger, etc. and using them as ingredients in a tasty holiday cocktail. One of my favorites is the Espresso and Cinnamon Infusion with Prairie Organic Vodka. Combined with hazelnut and coffee liqueur, it's delicious and perfect for the colder months. *Recipe below.

What are your favorite holiday traditions (outside of cocktails)?

Burke: The most important holiday tradition for us is spending it with family. The holidays would not be complete without all my loved ones gathered together, enjoying each other's company over delicious food and drinks.

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Espresso Cinnamon Infused Vodka

Ingredients:
1 bottle Prairie Organic Vodka
3 tablespoons of whole espresso beans
3 sticks of cinnamon

Directions
Displace 1/3 vodka of the bottle of Prairie Organic Vodka into another vessel to make room. Fill with ingredients, top off with reserved vodka and secure cap tightly. Store in refrigerator or a dark cool space for 3–4 days for optimal flavor.

Perfect for a Nutty Russian: Combine 1 oz infused Prairie Organic Vodka with 1 oz. hazelnut liqueur and 1 oz. coffee liqueur over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

The Humboldt (created by Erik Eastman)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Prairie Organic Gin
1 oz. Cocchi Torino Sweet Vermouth
1/2 oz. St. George Spirits Spiced Pear Liqueur
1/4 teaspoon Easy & Oskey Grapefruit Bitters
Dry Sparkling Wine
Lemon twist

Directions:
Stir gin, vermouth, pear liqueur and bitters over clean ice for at least 30 seconds.  Strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass.  Top with 2 or 3 ounces of the sparkling wine.

To garnish, with a sharp knife remove a coin size piece of lemon peel from a fresh organic lemon, and squeeze the oils from the lemon twist onto the surface of the drink. Add the twist to the drink and enjoy!

Merry Mary

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Prairie Cucumber-Flavored Organic Vodka
1/2 cup tomato juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce to taste
Hot sauce to taste
1 thick cucumber slice, notched

Directions:

Mix vodka, tomato juice, a squeeze of fresh lemon, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce in a shaker. Shake with ice and pour mixture (including ice) into a highball. Garnish with a cucumber on rim of glass.

Cranberry Gelatin Shots (makes 20 shots)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup UV Vodka
3 oz. package cranberry gelatin
2 1/4 cup cranberry juice

Directions:

Heat cranberry juice until it boils, pour in bowl and mix in gelatin until dissolved. Add UV Vodka and pour into shot cups. Put in fridge to set overnight.

Blue Frost

Ingredients:
1 part UV Blue
1 part raspberry sherbet
1 part lemon-lime soda
Serve over ice in a lowball glass.