It’s officially fall, so it’s time to cozy up with a good cocktail before hitting the pumpkin patch. Here are two tasty offerings from Arizona’s Roxx Vodka, founded by Angela Nielsen. Shoppers and diners can find the local brand at AJ’s Fine Foods, Steak 44, Mastro’s City Hall, Ocean 44 and Roaring Fork, among other select restaurants and shops.
Chai White Russian
Chai Tea Syrup:
2 C Water
5 Tazo Chai tea bags
1 oz. Honey
2 tsp. Vanilla extract
Chai White Russian:
2 oz. Roxx Vodka
1 ½ oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Chai tea syrup
½ oz. Heavy cream
To create the syrup, in a pot add one cup of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and add in the chai tea bags and let the tea bags soak for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags, add honey and place over heat once more. Remove from heat and add the vanilla. Place to the side.
This drink can be served up or on the rocks. Combine the Roxx Vodka, Kahlua, chai syrup and heavy cream in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain over ice in a lowball glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise. Sprinkle ground cinnamon for a kick.
Pumpkin Patch
1 oz. Roxx Vodka
1 oz. Butterscotch schnapps
1.5 oz. Orange juice
2-3 drops Orange bitters
Fill with local Arizona pumpkin ale
Rim: Honey, cinnamon, brown sugar
Garnish: Cinnamon stick and pumpkin spice
Fill shaker with ice. Add Roxx Vodka, schnapps, orange juice and bitters. Shake and strain into rimmed glass filled with ice. Top with pumpkin ale and garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon stick.