Cruisin Cooler Recipes

ORANGE-VODKA HERBAL COOLER

Steps:

• Bring the sugar and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, and stir in the basil, mint, tarragon and orange peel. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Strain the syrup into a pitcher, discarding the solids.
• Fill six tall glasses with crushed ice. Add a few tablespoons of the syrup to each, then stir in 2 tablespoons of the orange juice and a shot of vodka. Top off with club soda, and garnish with an orange twist and a mint sprig. Serve the remaining syrup to sweeten as desired; leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

CANDY CANE COOLER

Steps:

• Place crushed candy cane bits into pint glass. Muddle the candy cane slightly, breaking up the bigger pieces. Do not over-muddle into a powder. Add vodka, brandy and half-and-half and stir. Pour into a shaker with ice. Shake lightly to chill and strain into old-fashioned glass full of ice. Add a peppermint stick and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.
• Thoroughly wash mint leaves and place in a decanter or jar. Empty vodka into container and muddle slightly to release the essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days - longer if you want a stronger taste.

COWGIRL COOLER

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring sliced ginger and water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and reserve liquid.
• In a large pitcher, stir to combine the lemonade concentrate, ginger water, ginger ale, and vodka. Serve over ice with a slice of lemon.

CALMING COOLER

Steps:

• In a pot over medium-high heat, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Place the cranberries and tea bags into a heat-proof glass pitcher or bowl. Pour in the hot water and let steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, and then let cool in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
• Fill 4 wine glasses half way with ice. Divide the sliced apples among the glasses. Pour the tea and cranberries into each glass. Top each with 1/2 cup white wine, if desired.

BOAT CRUISIN' PUNCH

Steps:

• Combine orange juice, lemonade concentrate, limeade concentrate, vodka, and water in a large bowl; stir until blended. Serve over crushed ice.n