This recipe has saved me hundreds in last minute gifts.
You know those ones where you forgot someone, or you need a little something to fill out a hamper, or you just want to look like you've been in the kitchen for hours and spent a lot of money, when really, you did neither?
It's quick and easy, and you just need a supply of 300ml bottles, either new or recycled in which to gift your liqueur. Some ribbons and Christmassy decorations don't go astray either.
So all you need is:
5 cups sugar
5 1/2 cups of water
1/2 cup cocoa (use the dark Dutch one if you can get it as it's more chocolatey)
2 1/2 tablespoons Peppermint essence
1 teaspoon Vanilla essence
1 1/2 cups Vodka
Large saucepan
5-6 x 300ml bottles with screw top lids
A funnel and a jug with a pouring lip are handy for decanting into the bottles
Then just:
Put the sugar, cocoa, and water into the large saucepan, and stir constantly over a medium heat until the sugar and cocoa are dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat, and allow the liquid to cool to barely warm.
Add the peppermint and vanilla essences and stir well to combine.
Add the Vodka, and stir.
Decant into your bottles, and embellish with ribbon and Christmassy ornaments.
Drink chilled in shot or liqueur glasses, add to cocktails, pour over icecream, or add to coffee topped with whipped cream.
That's it!
Yum!
