Vanilla Vodka Creamtini

Yum! This was published in Midwest Living Jan/Feb 2009 issue. Tip: If you do not have vanilla vodka, substitute 1 cup regular vodka and 1 teaspoon vanilla. *****Garnish these with white or dark chocolate curls or shavings.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

•  orange wedge
•  vanilla sugar (recipe below) or  granulated sugar
• 2  cups  ice cubes
• 1  cup vanilla vodka
• 1⁄2 cup irish cream, whole milk, whipping cream, half-and-half or 1⁄2 cup  light cream
• 1  tablespoon Cointreau liqueur, Grand Marnier, orange liqueur or 1  tablespoon  orange juice
•  thin  orange slice (optional)

Directions

1. Rub the rim of four to six chilled martini glasses with a wedge of orange. Spread vanilla sugar onto a plater. Invert glasses into the sugar to coat rims. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker or container with tight-fitting lid, combine half of the ice cubes, half of the vanilla vodka, half of the Irish cream liqueur, and half of the Cointreau®. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain mixture into two or three of the martini glasses; discard ice cubes. Repeat with remaining ice cubes, vodka, liqueur, and Cointreau®. Strain into remaining martini glasses.
3. Garnish drinks with orange slices and chocolate shavings, if you like. Makes 4 to 6 drinks.
4. Vanilla Sugar: Fill a clean and sterilized 1-quart jar with 4 cups sugar. Using a sharp paring knife, slit one 4- to 6-inch vanilla bean lengthwise. Insert both halves into sugar, making sure all of the bean is covered with sugar. Secure lid and store in a cool dry place for 2 weeks before using. (Will keep indefinitely.) Makes 4 cups.