Peppermint Infused Vodka Martini

Crisp, sweet and palate cleansing, this is the perfect after dinner drink for any time of year. 

Ingredients

8 ounces of vodka (for prep) and 2 ounces for the drink
1 vanilla bean
1/2 ounce of crème de cacao
9 peppermint hard candies
2 tablespoons of clear cane sugar syrup

Directions

Two weeks prior to serving, add the vanilla bean and three peppermint hard candies to an 8-ounce bottle of vodka and allow the mixture to rest. The end result will be a vanilla and peppermint flavored vodka that has all the promise of a fabulous after dinner drink. Once infused, strain the vodka to remove any leftover peppermint pieces and the vanilla bean.   

To make the drink:

Take five peppermint hard handies and crush them into a fine powder . Leave them to rest on a plate.

Next, take two tablespoons of clear cane sugar syrup and pour it onto a plate. 

Line the rim of your martini glass with the clear cane sugar syrup by placing the glass upside down on the plate.

Once evenly coated, lift the glass and place the it into the peppermint powder plate to rim the glass' edge with peppermint.

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in 1/2 ounce of crème de cacao and two-ounces of your homemade infused vodka. Shake vigorously to cool the mixture, then strain into your martini glass before garnishing with a peppermint hard candy.