Photo by Celine Steen
Here’s another great DIY vegan holiday gift that there’s still plenty of time to make – Joni Newman’s Vanilla Mint Vodka from her book, Vegan Food Gifts!
I love Joni and like to make my own gifts so I think Vegan Food Gifts is a winner! There are canning recipes like Lemon Lavender Curd and a homemade coffee liquor and vegan Irish creme.
The dry layered jar recipes let you gift a nice meal. Joni includes beautifully designed printables to go along with them. She let me give you the one for the Candy Cane Martini at the bottom of this post!
Vanilla Mint Vodka
This here is a snap to make. And, depending on how long you let it steep, you can make it a mellow vanilla mint, or a deep vanilla that will make even a anti-vodka person fall in love. This recipe is for 1 pint. I like to make bigger batches and make lots of gifts at a time. Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe as needed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups 470 ml vodka
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 10 whole mint leaves
- bottle or jar with tight fitting lid
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a jar or bottle with tight fitting lid and shake. Allow to steep for 24 hours up to 5 full days, until desired flavor is achieved, shaking a couple of times a day. I like to steal a spoonful each day to test it...for research purposes, of course! Strain out solids then bottle infused vodka for gifting.
- GIFT IT!
- Look for a cool bottle at import stores or thrift shops. If you want a really cool effect, melt some food grade paraffin wax (available in the canning section of your supermarket) and dip the capped bottle to seal. Dip once, allow to cool, dip again, repeat until desired thickness and appearance is achieved. Tie the recipe card below to the neck of the bottle with hemp or jute twine.
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories 1036Sodium 5mgCarbohydrates 1gSugar 1g
More Food Gift Recipes on Healthy Slow Cooking:
Crispy Citrus Rosemary Cookies
michelle micci says
Cookies!!!
Terri Cole says
I make eggnog bread (with Silk nog) pecans and bourbon soaked dried fruit. This year I’m making gingerbread granola as well.
Kathy Hester says
That sounds wonderful I need to get on your gift list 😉
Cindy Hirsch says
Yes! Please share your bread recipe! Breads and muffins are my favorite vegan eats. Pumpkin, applesauce, etc. do so well as egg substitutes.
Jenifer says
This looks like a great gift idea! I usually give sweet mixed nuts that I make. This could be this years change up.
Alison L says
I used to make cookies but haven’t since I’ve stopped using eggs and dairy. I need different ideas! I’ve also made spiced nuts in the past as well…yum!
Kathy Hester says
My friends love the Crispy Citrus Rosemary Cookies, so you might try those. I love spices nuts.
Suz_Glo says
I like the make and share oreo truffles and/or cinnamon sugar pecans.
Allison says
In my pre-vegan days, I used to make homemade, full-test egg nog (always a huge hit). I am looking for new ideas, so this book would be perfect!
Kathy Hester says
You should do a search on vegan eggnog. Maybe I’ll even get a recipe up before the season is over.
Melodie says
Here’s a recipe that sounds good: . They use a Vitamix (high speed blender) for it, but I’ll bet it would work to use a food processor for the nuts & dates, then finish with a regular blender.
Kathy Hester says
That looks tasty!
Linda says
Love giving handmade gifts and if I can do it keeping with my vegan lifestyle, all the better!!!! I’d love to have a copy of the book. Thanks!
Carry says
Wow! We’re hosting a solstice party next week and were wondering what cocktail to serve. This looks perfect! I would love to win a copy of this book and try all the other ideas! Thank you for hosting the giveaway 🙂
Kathy Hester says
I’m making one tonight – it’s been that kind of day 😉
Jennifer says
This looks like fun for my (wine and) book club!
Kate says
I always make frosted cut out cookies and this year I’m also making packets of homemade veggie dip mix.
thea says
I make and can jams, salsas and fruit butters in the summer and fall so I have lots of gifts ready well ahead of time.
Kathy Hester says
That’s smart! I made a few jars of vanilla strawberry jam, but it will be a hard decision – give them away or eat them all winter!
Robyn Joy says
cupcakes and cookies!!!
jacquie says
i don’t tend to give gifts this time of year. If i make applesauce i might gift some then or share fresh baked goods or an abundance of fresh fruit at that time rather than waiting for some specific day. try to celebrate life and connections throughout the year rather than for a specific day.
Jodi says
I love to make lots of homemade cookies – and not let anyone know they are vegan until later!
Tess @WhereTessLives says
I now some vegans that this would be a great gift idea-thanks!