Creamsicle

There's lots of ways to get the vanilla flavor into a Creamsicle cocktail. You can add vanilla extract or use a vanilla liqueur. I infused Divine Clarity vodka with a vanilla bean and added sugar to it to make a vanilla vodka.

The cocktail is designed to taste like an orange ice cream pop, and it does. More or less of any ingredient throws off the balance and you notice that it is actually alcoholic or that it is too sweet.Follow this recipe to get the exact flavor that was intended.

For making the vanilla vodka: infuse one vanilla bean in a cup of vodka for two weeks. Remove the bean and add 1 oz. of sugar syrup and store it in an airtight container. Now here's the recipe.

• 2 oz. vanilla liqueur (vanilla vodka used)
• 4 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. half-and-half
• orange slice

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a highball glass full of fresh ice. Garnish with the orange twist.