Liqueur Base Recipes

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• Pour vodka and vanilla extract into the room temperature mixture. Pour the liquor into a sealable decanter; seal and store for at least two weeks before serving.

Steps:

• Zest the lemons, and place zest into a large glass bottle or jar. Pour in vodka. Cover loosely and let infuse for one week at room temperature.
• After one week, combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Do not stir. Boil for 15 minutes. Allow syrup to cool to room temperature.
• Stir vodka mixture into syrup. Strain into glass bottles, and seal each bottle with a cork. Let mixture age for 2 weeks at room temperature.
• Place bottled liqueur into the freezer. When icy cold, serve in chilled vodka glasses or shot glasses.

Steps:

• Whisk cream and milk together until well blened.
• Divide into 2 equal parts of 1 2/3 cups (400ml) each.
• Use 1 part to make each recipe below or make a double recipe of your favorite.
• Irish Isles Cream: Irish Isles Cream is an affordable simulation of the famous Irish Cream. Use rye whiskey for a Canadian version. Miniature bottles of coconut rum are available in most liquor stores. Combine one half recipe liqueur base, 1 cup (250ml) Irish Whiskey, 1/4 cup (50ml) coconut rum or 1/2 teaspoon (2ml) coconut extract, 1 tablespoon (15ml) chocolate drink syrup and 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Pour into a clean bottle with a tight fitting lid. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
• Spanish Cream: Spanish Cream combines the requisite liqueurs for Spanish coffee in a convenient ready to use form. Combine one half recipe liqueur base, 3/4 c (175 ml) brandy, 1/2 c (125ml) coffee liqueur and 1/4 c (50ml) Triple Sec. Pour into a clean bottle with a tight fitting lid. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.