VODKA COCKTAILS FOR SPRING RECIPES

Steps:

• Sterilise a 1.5 litre preserving jar (see tip, left). Tip the raspberries, sugar and vanilla into the jar.
• Pour half the vodka into the jar. Seal the lid, then turn the jar upside down and give it a good shake to evenly distribute the sugar. Remove the lid and add the remaining vodka.
• Ensure the jar is sealed and store in a cool dark place, turning/shaking once a day for the first week. After 2-3 weeks you can strain the vodka through a sieve lined with coffee filter papers or a clean kitchen cloth. Pour the vodka back into mini bottles and label. The vodka will keep its pink colour for a few months, but will be drinkable for 2 years.

Steps:

• Pour the vodka into a metal mug, julep tin or tumbler. Load up ¾ full with crushed ice, then fill to the top with the ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Add a few dashes of ginger bitters. Serve with a sprig of mint to garnish and the lime to squeeze over.