Vanilla-Mint Cordials

I found this in O Magazine, where the heading of the article is Vanilla Is for Lovers, where they celebrate the sensual bean in all its fragrant glory. ;) I found this recipe quite interesting and decided to post as I have nobody to try it out on. This is in from the February 2010 edition of the O Magazine. Don't know exactly how much cooling time! :(

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

•  of fresh mint (1 bunch)
• 1⁄2 cup  plus 1/3 cup sugar
• 6  ounces vanilla vodka
• 2  ounces  clear creme de menthe
• 1  tablespoon  vanilla powder

Directions

1. Coarsely chop mint leaves, reserving a few whole sprigs for garnish.
2. Make a mint syrup by mixing 1/2 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small pot over medium-high heat.
3. Stir until sugar dissolves, and bring to boil, simmer 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat; add mint.
5. Cool completely.
6. Strain, discarding mint.
7. Add ice water to 4 cordial glasses.
8. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add vanilla vodka, liqueur, and 2 oz mint syrup; shake well.
9. Pour remaining syrup on a small plate; mix 1/3 cup sugar with vanilla powder on another.
10. Drain ice water from the glasses.
11. Dip rims in sugar, then in vanilla sugar to coat.
12. Strain cocktail into glasses and garnish each with mint sprigs (if using).