This weekend was busy, but I still found some time to do something I had wanted to for a while: infusing liquor. I had made infused pineapple vodka (I didn’t realize what a punch those pineapple bites could hold!) but I wanted to try something more wintery and warm, since I have so many holiday parties or to make a great hostess gift.

I had tasted a pear, vanilla bean and clove vodka at Surly Girl and was so in love that I wanted to try it myself. The bartender paired it with Ginger Ale and you could taste the clove and hints of vanilla over the pear really well. I was determined to give it a try myself. I made the concoction this weekend and placed it in a closed top bottle in our pantry, so I’ll let you know how it goes. I’ll share the recipe once I know for sure it’s a good one…

As for finding the right recipe for my infused vodka, I searched all over the web, but still thought that Eat Make Read’s collection of cocktails (and recipes, too) are the most inspiring for me. They are so full of color, and I love the attention paid to the ingredients. I never realized how beautiful gouda could be up close! I also wanted to try Kelly’s Apple Pear Brandy recipe. Seems like a perfect fall and winter drink. Here are some of her other recipes I look forward to trying:

creamed corn with gorgonzola + tomatoes

happy hour: fig cocktail, no. 1

shaved asparagus + lemon ricotta pizza

spiced apple muffins

apple + cheddar oatmeal cookies

And of course,

pear infused brandy

See more delicious recipes on Eat Make Read and let me know if you recommend any others!