Vanilla Vodka Creamtini

• orange wedge
• vanilla sugar (recipe below) or granulated sugar↗
• ice cubes2 cups
• vanilla vodka↗1 cup
• irish cream, whole milk, whipping cream, half-and-half or 1/2 cup light cream↗1⁄2 cup
• Cointreau liqueur, Grand Marnier, orange liqueur or 1 tablespoon orange juice↗1 tablespoon
• thin orange slice

  optional

Step-by-step instructions

1. 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. 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. 3

   Garnish drinks with orange slices and chocolate shavings, if you like. Makes 4 to 6 drinks.

4. 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.