Perfect holiday hostess gift

The holiday season is filled with dinner parties and gatherings but we can’t forget it’s the season of giving.  When given the pleasure of attending a party at someone’s home, even if not asked it’s important not to arrive empty handed, which is the perfect opportunity to showcase your DIY skills and contribute to the cocktails that will be flowing.

Infused simple syrup which takes an ordinary cocktail to the next level is a DIY must.  Not only do you save money but the flavor is so intense you will never go back to store bought again.

Does Kahlua need an introduction? I don’t think so.  Substituting espresso for the traditional coffee, infusing cinnamon and vanilla bean is sure to have your friends wanting the recipe.

Tools:
Spring closure bottles here
Twine- from Michaels
Labels- from Michaels

Lemon infused simple syrup

2 cups of sugar
2 cups of water
zest of 1 lemon
juice from 1.5 lemons

Strawberry infused simple syrup

2 cups of sugar
2 cups of water
1/2 cup of fresh strawberries

Add sugar to boiling water until completely dissolved.  Add the infusions and allow to simmer for additional 2 minutes.  Let the syrup cool then bottle.  As a garnish, add a few pieces of lemon and strawberries.  Refrigerate the syrup.

Kahlua

4 Cups of water
2 3/4 cups of sugar
3 tbls instant espresso
1 tsp cinnamon
2 vanilla beans
2 1/2 cups of vanilla rum

Boil water, espresso, cinnamon, whole vanilla beans and sugar and simmer for 3.5 hours stirring frequently.  After 3 hours, remove the vanilla beans slice open and add the beans to the liquid.  Cook for an additional 30 minutes.  All the liquid to cool, add the rum and bottle.