DIY Network

Berry-Infused Vodka / Raspberry Martinis with Green-Sugared Rims From "Special Presentation" episode DCJH-SL

Looking for a stylish gift to replace your tired old standby selections? Try this festive libation (which can be later used to create the jazzy martinis below).

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Berry-infused vodka: for an extra-festive appearance, embellish the jar for giving.

Berry-Infused Vodka

Ingredients:

3 One-quart glass jars with tight fitting screw top lids (mason, recycled mayonnaise jars, etc.)
1 gallon vodka
2 pints of raspberries
Fine strainer

1. Rinse the raspberries to remove any pesticides. Wash the jar and lid in very hot water to sterilize it.

2. Divide the berries between the three-quart jars (figure A). Add more or fewer raspberries based on preference. Fill to the rim with vodka (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

3. Seal the jar and give it a good shake. Store in a cool dark place (or the refrigerator) for up to 3 weeks. (After about a week berry infusions will begin to set.)

4. After the infusion is set, strain the fruit from the vodka mixture (figure C). Store the infused vodka in the refrigerator in a sealed container. You can also funnel the vodka into a decorative bottle for gift giving.

Figure C

A departure from your grandmother's punch recipe: a raspberry martini with green-sugared rim.

Raspberry Martinis with Green Sugared Rims

Ingredients:

Chilled martini glass
1 1/2 oz Raspberry infused vodka
1/2 oz Chambord
Splash fresh lime juice
Ice
Cocktail shaker

For Sugared Rims:
1/2 cup sugar
Green food coloring
1-quart plastic zip seal bag
Wax paper
Lime to coat the rim of the glass

	Figure D
	Figure E

1. To create martini, fill cocktail shaker with ice, then pour vodka and Chambord into shaker. Add a splash of lime juice. Shake and strain into a chilled sugar rimmed glass.

2. Next, create the sugar by placing 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 drops of green food coloring in a zip seal baggie. You can add more drops of color for a darker color. Seal the baggie and use your fingers to work the coloring into the sugar until you have an even distribution of color. Spread the sugar onto wax paper and allow to air dry. Store in an airtight container.

3. To create sugared rims, place the colored sugar onto a small salad sized plate. Rub the rim of the martini glass with the lime (figure D). Turn the glass upside-down and gently turn the glass back and forth in the sugar to coat (figure E). Shake off any excess to create a light coating.