Keeping with our holiday pecan theme, we created a praline-inspired cocktail and a praline liquor that you can gift to your guests if you have leftovers—or want to double the recipe!
DIY Praline Liqueur
Servings: 2 Quarts
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 cups pecan pieces toasted
- 4 vanilla beans split lengthwise
- 4 cups vodka
Instructions
- Over medium heat in a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, sugar, and water until mixture starts to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place vanilla beans and pecans in a gallon-size canning jar (or any gallon-size heat-resistant jar). Pour the hot mixture into the jar and let cool. Once mixture has reached room temperature, add vodka. Cover tightly and store in a dark place at room temperature for 2 weeks. Shake the jar once daily. Strain the mixture through a sieve and discard solids; bottle and store at room temperature. Use in coffee, baking, or cocktails.
French Quarter Manhattan
Recipe adapted from Heather Wibbels, the Cocktail Contessa
Servings: 8 People
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups bourbon
- 1 1/8 cups praline liqueur
- 3/4 teaspoon chocolate bitters
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a pitcher and fill with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. If there are leftovers, strain the remaining liquid into a jar and store it in the refrigerator or a bucket of ice until ready to refill glasses. Garnish with a spiced pecan speared with a toothpick.
Notes
This cocktail uses praline liqueur, and we have the batch recipe above for quick service at your party.
If you want to make one cocktail at a time, use the 2:1:3 ratio for each cocktail: 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce liqueur, and 3 dashes bitters.
