The other day my mom asked me if I would make cocktails for Christmas Eve dinner. My response? “Of course! I already bought all the stuff.” 😀 This time of year we have so many parties and dinners, both impromptu and planned, so I like to be prepared.
This cocktail is strong, but very flavorful. It’s perfect for those who like to order Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. It’s also what I like to call “one and done”… because I only need one to start feeling ummm “cheerful”.
You sold yet? Here’s the recipe:
Vanilla Bean Whiskey Cocktail, serves one
2 ounces vanilla bean infused whiskey
1/2 an ounce Dr. McCillicuddy’s Intense Raw Vanilla
2 dashes aromatic cocktail bitters
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
star anise
Pour the whiskey, vanilla liqueur, bitters and lemon juice into a cocktail shake with ice. Add a star anise. Shake-shake-shake! Serve in an old fashioned glass, garnished with star anise and a lemon wedge. Enjoy! 
To infuse my whiskey I used about half a bottle of whiskey and one full vanilla bean. Let it sit in a dark place for 24-48 hours and it’s ready! I made a pretty big batch because I thought this would also be great for hot toddies. 
I hope you have a wonderful, safe and festive holiday! Cheers! Elsie
Vanilla Bean Whiskey Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla bean infused whiskey
- 1/2 an ounce Dr. McCillicuddy's Intense Raw Vanilla
- 2 dashes aromatic cocktail bitters
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- star anise
Instructions
-
Pour the whiskey, vanilla liqueur, bitters and lemon juice into a cocktail shake with ice. Add a star anise. Shake-shake-shake! Serve in an old fashioned glass, garnished with star anise and a lemon wedge.
Recipe Notes
To infuse my whiskey I used about half a bottle of whiskey and one full vanilla bean. Let it sit in a dark place for 24-48 hours and it's ready! I made a pretty big batch because I thought this would also be great for hot toddies.
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson
40 Comments
Thanks 🙂
Awesome, This will for sure be my New Years Eve cocktail!!!
Cheers indeed, sounds yummy!
Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.com
sounds so good!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
This sounds incredible! I’ve never actually tried to infuse anything myself, but vanilla bean infused whiskey sounds too good to pass up.
Yummy!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
The vanilla flower makes it!!
Hi Rachel,
I used Bulleit this time. I also like Maker’s Mark (or whatever we have on hand!)
xoxo- elsie
Hi Brianna,
Yes! I bought it at a local shop, but I heard they also carry them at SurLaTable.
XO! elsie
Thanks so much Karina! We’re so happy you enjoy the blog. It’s a lot of work, but we love it so much!!
xx- elsie
so pretty and it sounds absolutely delicious! I love anything vanilla.
xoxo
Taylor
www.welcomehometaylor.com
I don’t like drinking, but it seems such a wonderful drink that I may try to do it. hahaha
Have a lovely week!
xxx
Definitely using this recipe for New Year’s Eve.
I will definitely try this cocktail. I cannot wait to make it tomorrow. I have to buy something.
I don’t usually like whisky but I will try this for sure. I luuuuurve vanilla!
www.creamstop.com
This looks so wonderfully festive! xoxo
What a yummy idea! I hope you have a great Christmas 🙂
This. All of this.
You all are so creative! Keep it up, also I noticed the vanilla liqueur is Mr. McGillicuddy, which also happens to be Lucy Ricardo’s maiden name in the show “I Love Lucy!” Yes, that was random, but I love Lucille Ball!
I’ll have to make this for NYE! Happy Christmas ABM!
Looks amazing!
x
http://thewearwithal.typepad.com/
Wishing you and your family a holly jolly Christmas filled with love and peace!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
Love this cocktail idea and must try soon! In the meantime, Merry Christmas!!!
Meghan xo
Uuuuu this looks so awesome! 😀
Sounds good!
Happy Holidays to you and your family 🙂
Cute coctail!
Stacy from http://www.stacyco.blogspot.com/
Perfect recipe and looks really good. That small anise star is perfec t dot. xa Happy holidays.
What brand of whiskey did you use?
This sounds so yummy!!! You had me at vanilla bean, and when I saw whiskey following that??? oh my. I love your one and done comment. Thanks for sharing!
What brand of whiskey did you use for the cocktail?
Cheers
cheers! this looks like a whole lot of fun.
merry Christmas to you both, girls! x
-Jianine
mmmmm.
Ohh Vanilla Bean always gets me!
xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
This looks delicious! Must try it soon! 🙂
ANDREA VYTLACILOVA blog
I’ve never heard of anything like this, it sounds delectable! Also is that a tea towel in the background? It’s neat!
Star anis adds just enough potency to this sweet and spicy recipe. Good one to try for Christmas dinner – and afterwards. Thanks for this.
I love the idea of infusing your own alcohol, so far I’ve only done it with vodka, but I’d love to do it with whiskey.
As usual, this is a gorgeous cocktail 🙂
That star anise makes me so happy 🙂
You girls are amazing. How can you find the motivation, time and good ideas to publish all these amazing articles. Thanks for sharing.
I love how you guys share a lot if whiskey drinks.