Orange Vodka Herbal Cooler Recipes

Steps:

• For the simple syrup: Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. When the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and cool the syrup to room temperature.
• For the vodka tonic: Muddle the cranberries, orange peel and 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup (depending on how sweet you like your drink) in a rocks glass. Add the orange juice, vodka and orange liquor, fill 3/4 of way with the tonic and add ice cubes. Serve immediately. Reserve the remaining simple syrup for another use. It will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 month.

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:

• Using a small melon baller or spoon, scoop two-thirds of the way down into one of the 2-inch pieces of cucumber, forming a cucumber shot glass. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Muddle the grape tomatoes, 4 of the basil leaves and remaining cucumber piece in a cocktail shaker until well crushed. Add the vodka, vinegar, lemon juice and some ice to the cocktail shaker and shake until well mixed. Strain into the cucumber shot glass and garnish with the remaining basil leaf.

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together the boiling water, brown sugar, ginger, and tamarind paste until the mixture is combined well. Let steep for 5 to 6 minutes, then add the lemon juice and let the mixture cool. Strain it through a fine sieve set over a pitcher and chill for 2 to 3 hours. Divide the cooler among tall glasses filled with ice cubes and a mint sprig.

Steps:

• Combine the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until reduced to 1 cup. Add the Grand Marnier and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. (The orange syrup can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.)
• In each of 4 to 6 rocks glasses, stir together 2 tablespoons of the cold orange syrup and a shot of vodka. Add a scoop of ice and top off with club soda. Float a slice of orange on top of each drink and serve.