Gazpacho Vodka Cooler Recipes

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, onion and garlic in a blender or, if using a hand blender, in a deep bowl. (If necessary, work in batches.) Blend at high speed until very smooth, at least 2 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.
• With the motor running, add the vinegar and 2 teaspoons salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. The mixture will turn bright orange or dark pink and become smooth and emulsified, like a salad dressing. If it still seems watery, drizzle in more olive oil until texture is creamy.
• Strain the mixture through a strainer or a food mill, pushing all the liquid through with a spatula or the back of a ladle. Discard the solids. Transfer to a large pitcher (preferably glass) and chill until very cold, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Before serving, adjust the seasonings with salt and vinegar. If soup is very thick, stir in a few tablespoons ice water. Serve in glasses, over ice if desired, or in a bowl. A few drops of olive oil on top are a nice touch.

Steps:

• Roughly chop the cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions into 1-inch cubes. Put each vegetable separately into a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until it is coarsely chopped. Do not overprocess!
• After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer gazpacho sits, the more the flavors develop.

Steps:

• Put the bread in a bowl and add water to cover. Let soak for 5 minutes until softened. Squeeze out the water and place the bread in a blender container (or, if using a hand-held blender, into a mixing bowl) with the garlic. Blend until the bread and garlic are smooth.
• To seed the tomatoes: cut out the stem and core, then cut the tomatoes in half crosswise. Either spoon out the seeds or else squeeze the tomatoes through a sieve placed over a bowl. The seeds will squeeze out; the juice will collect in the bowl. It is then ready to be added to the gazpacho as pulp.
• Add the tomato pulp to the bread and garlic, and puree. Add the cumin and salt and, with the motor running, add the olive oil in a slow stream. As the oil is incorporated, the gazpacho will turn from red tomato-juice to a paler, peacher color. Blend in the vinegar. Thin the gazpacho with water to the desired consistency.
• Place the blended contents in a tureen, bowl or pitcher. Chill until serving time.
• Place each of the garnishes in separate small bowls or on a divided relish dish and pass them around the table when the gazpacho is served. Each person can add their desired spoonfuls on to their gazpacho.
• This gazpacho can also be served, thinned with additional water, in tall glasses for sipping, without the garnishes.

Steps:

• To make simple syrup, bring the sugar and 1/2 cup water to a simmer in a saucepan on medium heat, then turn off the heat and let cool to room temperature.
• In a tall thermos, add the cucumbers, mint and simple syrup. Stir with the handle of a wooden spoon. Add the lime juice and vodka, then cover and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Chill until ready to serve.
• Pour over ice in glasses, then top off with the club soda. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Place crushed candy cane bits into pint glass. Muddle the candy cane slightly, breaking up the bigger pieces. Do not over-muddle into a powder. Add vodka, brandy and half-and-half and stir. Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake lightly to chill and strain into old-fashioned glass full of ice. Add a peppermint stick and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.
• Thoroughly wash mint leaves and place in a decanter or jar. Empty vodka into container and muddle slightly to release the essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days - longer if you want a stronger taste.

Steps:

• Place the tomato juice, tomato, cucumber, capsicum, onion, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in the jug of a blender and blend until almost smooth.
• Add Tabasco sauce.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide vodka evenly among shot glasses.
• Top with the gazpacho and serve immediately.