Start Infusing Your Holiday Beverage Gifts Now

[NcMysteryShopper]

Make Spectacular Holiday Gifts and Gift Baskets This Year!


Christmas is almost here! Well, in two months it will be.
That’s just enough time to begin to make that special handcrafted present that means so much to close friends. Everyone loves receiving pretty gift baskets filled with edible and drinkable goodies. Homemade liqueurs in attractive bottles with personal labels & ribbons are not only pretty, but are easy and fun to make. Coupled with a few theme items they make the perfect gift basket for the holidays! So let’s make some holiday cheer!

Hot chocolate, teas and coffee blends are great nonalcoholic alternatives for the beverage basket.




Amaretto
1 Week or Less Infusing Time

Amaretto is a liqueur with a distinct flavor of almonds, though it's often made with apricot pits kernels. The original liqueur, Amaretto di Saronno, hails from Saronno, Italy. The almond-flavored cordial is a popular ingredient in cocktails and food preparation. By the 1980's, it was second in sales only to Kahlúa. Amaretto is know as the Liqueur of Love.

Amaretto Liqueur
For a different flavor, add two dried apricots (cut in half) to the jar for 2-4 days to infuse... then remove

Photo by Blue Lotus

The Gift Basket:

Almond Biscotti
Amaretto Bon Bon Balls
Chocolate Amaretto Brownies
Italian Chocolate Truffles


Apricot Amaretto Jam
Chocolate Almond Sauce
Bing Cherries in Amaretto Juice - Syrup
Cuciadate (Italian Fig Cookies)



Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Carrots Di Amore by NcMysteryShopper
Amaretto Sourcream Strawberries by SheriD
Italian Amaretto Cream by Pot Scrubber
Disaronno French Toast by Carla
Italian Apple Cake by kookaburra
Amaretto Cheesecake by DIBs


Browse through all the recipes on Zaar that include Amaretto here








Kahlua
3 Weeks Infusing Time

Kahlua is a coffee liqueur, which originated in Mexico. It is produced by blending roasted Arabica coffee beans with other ingredients and a white cane sugar spirit base. The coffee is expertly blended with a range of carefully chosen rums which is when the secret ingredients are added to give Kahlúa its exotic mix of flavours that come through from the first sip to the last. The exotic taste of Kahlua can be enjoyed in many ways: neat, over ice, baking, cooking and it is an ingredient in many popular drink recipes.

Dana's Home Made Kahlua
Replace a portion (1/2 or less) of the vodka with rum for another variation (and the original Kahlua's secret ingredient)

Photo by Nick's Mom

The Gift Basket:

Kahlua Popcorn
M&m Kahlua Cookies
Kahlua Almond Biscotti
Milk Chocolate-Kahlua Truffles


Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Toasted Almond Milkshake by NcMysteryShopper
Black Russian Cake by Grace Lynn
Chocolate Kahlua Cake by JellyQueen
Toasted Almond by Kim127
Kahlua Mole Chicken by Nick's Mom
Kahlua Pot De Creme by CharlotteJ
Heavenly Kahlua Cheesecake MelodyH

More recipes with Kahlua as an ingredient here









Limoncello
3 Weeks Infusing Time

Originally a regional product of Southern Italy, where the best lemons were and are still grown, limoncello is now a national drink and can be found in stores and restaurants all over Italy. Drinking limoncello alone is pleasant enough, but sipping a glass of this bittersweet citrus liqueur around a table with loved ones becomes a memorably soothing experience. Refreshing and light, it is usually enjoyed at the end of a meal: it is an incomparable digestive, and with tonic water it is a sweet, tasty refreshment. It's also great with champagne or mixed with juice as a cocktail. It even does well simply drizzled on ice cream, fruit salads, or fresh strawberries. It is also the main ingredient in many desserts. Buon appetito!

Limoncello (Lemoncello, Limoncella)

Photo by RitaL

The Gift Basket:


Limoncello Pine Nut Biscotti
Limoncello Cookies
White Chocolate Limoncello Truffles
Limoncello Oil
Limoncello Vinaigrette


Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Berries With Mascarpone-Limoncello Cream by NcMysteryShopper
Grilled Limoncello Salmon Steaks by evelyn/athens
Cheesecake Al Limoncello by mary winecoff
Limoncello Dessert by Rachel Ray by Oolala
Baked Crepes With Ricotta by MilanzMom
Limoncello, Pear and Riesling Granita by Molly53
Summer Berry Medley With Limoncello and Mint by SkinnyMinnie
Not Yo' Momma's Lemonade by seahorse73

More recipes with Limoncello as an ingredient here







Irish Cream
Must Be Refrigerated

Baileys Irish Cream is an Irish whiskey- and cream- based liqueur made in Dublin, Ireland. Baileys is produced from Irish whiskey along with cream and coffee flavoring. It has an almond, hazelnut/nutmeg aroma and a rich, smooth, sweet taste. Many of the homemade recipes include eggs, which is not in the Irish product. The official website lists vanilla, almond and cocoa extract as some of its ingredients.

Irish Cream
Omit the coconut extract for a more authentic Baileys

Photo by Marg@CaymanDesigns

The Gift Basket:

Easy Baileys Truffles
Secret Agent One Bowl Brownies
Chocolate Pistachio Fudge
Irish Cream Bon Bons



Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Barnamint Baileys by kolibri
Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cheesecake by ~Leslie~
Irish Cream Cheesecake With Mixed Berries by evelyn/athens
Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse Pie by Chef PotPie
Strawberry and Bailey's Fool by PanNan

Recipes that use Irish Cream as an ingredient on Zaar Can be found here




Please share your holiday gift basket ideas in this thead.

If you have a favorite liqueur for a gift or ideas for a basket we would love to see them. If you are making a holiday basket please share what you are including.

If you are purchasing items for your basket share your ideas and gift finds with us as well.

[Wineaux]

Thank you for the reminder, Cheryl! TWO MONTHS and counting Hard to believe
Anyhow, I realize now that it's time to get started! Thanks for the great ideas you've already postd

[Mommy Diva]

YUMMY ideas! I hadn't thought to add something like this to my holiday trays I pass out! I may try this for 2007!!

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

What a great idea! How about..........



Homemade Grand Marnier

Homemade Grand Marnier recipe# 191348

2 Months Infusing Time



Grand Marnier (grän' mär-nyā') is a liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is a kind of triple sec, made from a blend of true cognacs, distilled essence of orange, and other ingredients.

Grand Marnier is about 40% alcohol. It is produced in several varieties, most of which can be consumed "neat" or can be used in mixed drinks.

The Gift Basket:



A wonderful gift basket can be easily prepared by you. Just include the bottle of Homemade Grand Marnier you made - if it is not completely aged just include instructions to shake it every month and the date it will be ready

Place the bottle in a pretty basket embellished with some ribbon and maybe an ornament or two. I like to wire some inexpensive bells to the basket with florist wire- both are available at any hobby store or even the craft section of Walmart.

Since Grand Marnier is made from oranges I like to include some fresh oranges- plus they are inexpensive and take up plenty of room! Time permitting I stud one or two with fresh cloves to make a pomander- you can even add a looped ribbon at the top attaching it to the orange with a straight pin. A few nice glasses such as cordial glasses or even small brandy snifters would make an excellent addition as well.



You could make one of the recipes below to include in your gift basket or just print them out and paste them to a recipe card or two and include them in the basket.

Recipes you can include :



Rich Truffles with a hint of Grand Marnier




Lemon Rolls



Mango Creamy Cheese Charlotte





ORANGE you glad I shared this with you????

lol

Sorry I couldnt resist!

[NcMysteryShopper]

Cherry Liqueur
2 - 6 Months Infusing Time

Cherry Liqueur is one of the most rewarding, whole-flavored liqueurs you can make. Cherry liqueurs are among the easiest liqueurs to make at home, and it is also easy to obtain a flavor which is comparable with commercial cherry liqueurs. Homemade cherry liqueurs may be served with ice, and may also be used for making cocktails. If you make one with a longer infusion time simple add a tag to your bottle with the instructions for storage.... a gift that keeps on giving!

Liquori Casalinghi (Cherry Liqueur)
Jerez Cherry Liqueur
Morello (Sour) Cherry Liqueur
Cherry Liqueur

Photo by BarbryT

The Gift Basket:

Almost Cherry Garcia Cookies
Jamaican Black Fuitcake
Cherry Almond Tea Cakes
Chocolate Truffle Cookies


Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Blood Cherry Martini by fatherbeswimming
Black Forest Cherry Cake Roll by Annacia
German Black Forest Cake by Olga Drozd
Dried Cherry or Cranberry Loaf by Heather Feather
Danish Coffee by Lennie
Singapore Sling by NcMysteryShopper
Chef Hans Cherries Jubilee by Sherrybeth

More recipes with Cherry Liqueur as an ingredient here

[Rita~]

WonderfulHolidays! Relaxing Lovely Lavender!

Peace and

Not just for Holidays but great for
Bridal gift basket made with lavender to help in those stressfull times of preparing for a Wedding!
In the Soothing Lavender Basket you can include martini glasses and this
Lavender Flavored Vodka
Happiness to make of course martini`s
If thats to strong try
Lavender Margaritas or Limoncello
Oh you don`t drink try
Lavender Mint Tea Hot or Iced for 2
blissfull

Add to the basket some nicely wrapped Lavender Fudge

JOY
for the couple feed each other!
For the honeymoon night prepare a bath with Lavender or Rosemary Cleansing Lotion no picture that is for you imagination.
You can use lavender oil in this
Exotic Essential-Oil Body Moisturizer


Be sure to give the bride to be one of the shower favors Lavender Vanilla Bath Salts

This
Lavender or Rose Syrup

would be pretty wrapped in a bottle to have in thier champagne toast! You can pack a Bride a Groom glasses too!
Wrap a bunch of Lavender Cookies
Pack this in for the first breakfast as Mr. and Mrs...........
The first meal made by the couple can include Herbs De Provence

with recipes for Potatoes Seasoned With Lavender and Rosemary. Grill Pork With Rosemary and Lavender Roasted Cauliflower, Lavender, Rosemary and Garlic

Grilled or Baked Salmon With Lavender

Strawberries in Lemon-lavender Syrup

Lavender Lemon Bars

Caramelized Figs with Lavender honey and Cream

Lavender Blue Tea

You`ll find step x step to make these fragrant cute Bird Houses

Herb Wreath




Check out all the lavender recipes here on zaar and menus

[echo echo]

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..................................................................... 1

Blackberry liqueur, also called blackberry cordial, is a fruit-infused liqueur in which the liquor base is most often vodka, brandy or schnapps. Sugar is dissolved in the liquor, whose alcohol content is usually diluted by adding water. Then blackberries are added and allowed to infuse the liquor for several days or up to a couple of weeks and then strained out and discarded (or may be served over ice cream or pound cake). Sometimes, additional spices and/or herbs contribute additional flavoring. A commercial form of this liqueur (in addition to a number of other types of liqueur) is produced under the brand name Marie Brizard. De Kuyper also includes De Kuyper Blackberry in its line of liqueurs.

When brandy is used as the base, the result may be called blackberry brandy, and when schnapps is used, the result may be called blackberry schnapps. However, the terms blackberry brandy or scnapps may also refer to liquors distilled directly from the berries. An example of a commercial blackberry schnapps is Barton's 99 Blackberries.

The rich dark purple color imparted by the berries makes a beautiful presentation ideal for gift-giving. Choose from a number of different recipes* at Recipezaar to manufacture your own stock for gift-giving:

my Blackberry Liqueur
ncmysteryshopper's Blackberry Cordial
Mrs B's Blackberry Brandy
KJ's Blackberry Vodka Cordial
Chef Shadow's Blackberry Cordial (Spirits)


Goodies made with blackberry liqueurs to go in the gift basket with the liqueur:

Annisette's Blackberry Tarts
jars of KittyKitty's Russian Fruit Compote
Princess Flowerbreath's Blackberry Ham Glaze


2 3 4

Other goodies keeping up the blackberry theme:

Baby Kato's Blueberry, Raspberry and Blackberry Cheesecake
lindseylcw's Blackberry Chutney
MizzNezz's Homemade Blackberry Jam
riffraff's Lemon Blackberry Muffins
Sherrie-pie's Blackberry and Apple Loaf
Sue L's Fresh Blackberry Pie
Dreamgoddess' Blackberry Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Icing
ratherbeswimmin's Fresh Blackberry-Lemon Crumb Bars


In your gift basket, also include recipes for the following cocktails and beverages:

my Blackberry Julep ............................................ 5
Dienia B's James 's Blackberry Cowboy
gingerkitten D's Frozen Jelly Bean
Molly53's Jelly Bean #3 and Jelly Bean #4
philocrates' New Kungaloosh Disney
Recipenut's Black Orchid and Ultimate Suntan
Sue L's Rum Runner
TheresaP's Blackberry Brandy Slush
Chabear01's Delux Kir Royal (substitute blackberry liqueur for the creme de cassis in this one)
Cynna's Blackberry-Chambord Royale (substitute blackberry liqueur for the Chambord in this one)
Kookiemomster's The Doctor's Orders
Porro absentis' New Kungaloosh Disney

Add in other recipes that use blackberry liqueurs:

hellokitty's Blackberry Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Recipe Junkie's Blackberry Brandy Fruit Salad
lynda clark's Blackberry Brandy Glazed Beef Rounds


6 *Also try substituting other fruits for the blackberries to make similar liqueurs, such as Melody H's plum liqueur, made from my blackberry liqueur recipe and shown in this photo.


........................ ........................ ........................


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Apricot liqueur is created by an infusion process similar to that used in blackberry liqueur (see Photos 7 & 8 ), although the fruit used may be either fresh or dried. Again, the products may be called apricot brandy or apricot schnapps. Christian di Marco Apricot, from the same company that produces Limoncello, is an example of a commercial apricot liqueur. Many companies produce apricot brandies (De Kuyper Apricot Brandy is one) and apricot schnapps.

7 ..................................................................... 8

Like other liqueurs, apricot liqueur (blackberry, too, for that matter) is good not only as a drink but also as a topping for ice cream. Barb Gertz shows in this photo for my recipe Apricot Liqueur that she believes in letting it do double duty.

...................................................... 9

Pound cake, angel cake or bread pudding can also be enhanced with a dribbling of liqueur. And add a bit of liqueur to pie filling to make that special pie even more special. I've found that apricot liqueur works well in peach pies.

An apricot liqueur for your gift basket may be created using my recipe (link just above) or any of these other Zaar recipes:

Charlotte J's Apricot Liqueur
Darlene Summers' Apricot Brandy
Dee514's Apricot Brandy
silly sally's Apricot Wine Cordial


............10

After making and bottling your own, make sure to save some out to produce some of these goodies for your gift basket:

.::.Blink.::.'s Strawberry Apricot Jelly
DiScharf's Apricot Brandy Pound Cake With Cream, Fruits and Nut Sauce and Impossily Easy Apricot Pie
DiB's Apricot Cheesecake
Dorel's Golden Brandy Bundt Fruitcake
Julia Rodriguez's Apricot Brandy Balls
Karin...'s Apricot Custard Tart
Nane's Apricot Brandy Cake
NurseDi's Apricot Brandy Pound Cake
Recipe Junkie's Elmer Fudpucker Cake
Steve_G's Apricot Foldovers
TheLass's Almond-Apricot Biscotti
Tisme's Apricot Jam With Brandy
Uncle Bill Anatooskin's Uncle Bill's Christmas Fruitcake with Brandy


Yikes! Your gift basket seems to be overflowing, but never mind--there's still room to include recipe cards for these cocktails and other beverages that use the liqueur :

Ashley U's Lime Daiquiri with Apricot Brandy
Bayhill's Cool Breeze
Bev's Easter Bonnets
Blink.::.'s Apricot-Mango Martini and Hennessy Twist
Boomette1's Apricot Brandy Sour
Cheesehead's Swamp Water
chia's Cubana Rum and Cool Breeze
Cynna's Whisper of a Kiss
Engrossed's Fifth Avenue
Gay Gilmore's The Claridge
RecipeNut's Devil's Tail and The Fun Ship and Goombay Smash
NurseDi's Jackie O's and Paradise
pines506's Hot Apple Pie (punch)
Ranikabani's Apricot Sunset
RéeLani's Aloha Martini
southern chef in louisiana's Louisiana Orange Blossoms
philocrates' The Franken-Jack Cocktail and Groundhog Special
ugo girl's Cranberry Slush
Zusie-Q's Rum Swizzle

............................... 11 12
............................. 13 14
............................... 15 16


Uh-oh, now you're reeling from drinking all those cocktails--in fact, I fear you're under the table! Well, while you're down there, pick up a pen and write out these non-beverage recipes utilizing apricot liqueurs to go in your gift basket:

toni gifford's Bananas Ghana ..... 17
Barb Gertz's Brandied Fruit
BellaDulce's Rosemary Apricot Chicken Soup
carrie sheridan's Lentils With Apricots and Brandy
Ed Paulhus' Brandy Fruit Pot
karin...'s Divine Chicken Liver Pate
s'kat's Savory Stewed Lamb
southern chef in louisiana's Brandy-Buttered Cornish Hens With Pecan Stuffing


.............. .............. ..............

Photo credits:

1 Photo of my Blackberry Liqueur by Nora Marie
2 Photo of Homemade Blackberry Jam by oilpatchjo
3 Photo of Fresh Blackberry Pie by Sue L
4 Photo of Lemon Blackberry Muffins by ms_bold
5 Photo of Blackberry Julep by Bev
6 Photo of plum version of Blackberry Liqueur by Melody H
7 Photo of Charlotte J's Apricot Liqueur by NoraMarie
8 Photo of my Apricot Liqueur by kiwidutch
9 Photo of my Apricot Liqueur by Barb Gertz
10 Photo of Golden Brandy Bundt Fruitcake by Dorel
11 Photo of Mid-Summer Madness Slush or Punch by Rita L
12 Photo of Cool Breeze by chia
13 Photo of Apricot-Mango Martini by Lori in Canada
14 Photo of Cubana Rum by Rita L
15 Photo of Fifth Avenue by Boomette1
15 Photo of Apricot Brandy Sour by Boomette1
17 Photo of Bananas Ghana by ncmysteryshopper

Finally, just let me put in a plug for myself. Recipes for all kinds of liqueur can be found in my public cookbook Liqueurs to Make. For ways to use liqueur in cooking, check out my cookbooks Cooking With Liqueurs and Desserts Containing Liqueurs.

..

[NcMysteryShopper]

Pear Liqueur
3 Months

Liqueur De Poire (Pear Liqueur)

Think of scrumptious baked pears distilled into a sweet (but not too sweet) liqueur.



The Gift Basket:

Individual Mini Poached Pear Cheesecakes
Pear, Honey and Lime Cake
Ginger Pear Preserves
Pear Cardamom Bread



Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Pear and Lime Martini
Pear-Tini
Pear Clafouti
Pear Brandy Souffle (Soufflé Aux Poires Williams)
Peppered Pork and Pears

Recipes that use Pear Liqueur as an ingredient on Zaar Can be found here

[NcMysteryShopper]

Strawberry Liqueur
2 - 7 Months

Fragolo -- Fragola -- Fragoli Liqueur (Strawberry Liqueur)
Strawberry Liqueur
Strawberry Liqueur
Scrumptious Strawberry Liqueur
Strawberry Liqueur


Fragolo (Italian), Fraise (French), or Strawberry Liqueur: This is a sweet delicious liqueur. It's quite nice in the winter after dinner. When you have finished steeping the strawberries, drain them well and serve them for dessert. They'll go quite well over ice cream.



The Gift Basket:

Cheesecake Cupcakes
Strawberry Tart
Strawberries & Cream Bread (Strawberry or Blueberry)
Strawberry Preserves



Recipes you can include in the gift basket:



Strawberry Puff Cakes
Rhodes Island
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Coffee
Strawberry Truffle (cocktail)
Strawberries With Mascarpone and Balsamic Vinegar

Recipes that use Strawberry Liqueur as an ingredient on Zaar Can be found here

[Rita~]

A must try Garden State Iced Tea "the Fruit Bomb" with grey goose pear vodka a take of the Long Island Ice TEA!

[NcMysteryShopper]

That looks awesome!!!

[Rita~]

Where the heck have you been!?????
not like you have anything to plan!

[Rita~]

Homemade Advocaat

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

bump

[Wineaux]

I posted this information a while back, but it got all jumbled up because of the Beaujolais Nouveau, so here it is again. Might be especially useful for procrastinators

You guys can color me stoooopid if you want to, but I just discovered a website that I plan to use a great deal this year in making my liquors - both for myself as "test batches" and as holiday gifts.

I've never used essences to make liquors, but believe me, it's worth a trip to the site just to see the variety of flavors they have!

Hope, the place is in Texas, so you might already know it, but for those who don't know, the address is below.

Directions for making the liquors are on the site with each essence.
Enjoy
http://brewhaus.com