Ukrainian Toasting Traditions
Channel: YourTV Halton
Date: 2021-12-23

Katherine Vellinga invited her study group over to teach them about her Ukrainian toasting traditions in advance of the holidays so they could bring the time honoured traditions to their family gatherings. 
@ZirkovaVodka #toastingtraditions 

Here are the recipes for the two signature beverages John and Katherine make for their guests in the segment. 
 
Christmas in New York
(AKA cheesecake smoothie)

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Zirkova One Ultra Premium vodka
1 oz egg nog
1/2 cup traditional cheese cake (no crust) (can use frozen)
Handful of ice
Nutmeg

Rim a chilled martini glass by dipping it in egg nog and then into crumbled Graham crackers.
Place ice, cheesecake,  egg nog and Zirkova One vodka into a blender or nutra bullet.   Blend until smooth.
Pour into the rimmed glass and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg and/or grated chocolate sprinkles.


Candy Cane Cosmo

Ingredients
1.5 oz of Zirkova Together ultra premium vodka (infused with candy canes)
0.5 oz of triple sec
3 oz Cranberry cocktail

 Pulverize some candy cane in a mortar and pestil or a blender.  Rim a chilled martini glass by dipping it in cranberry cocktail and then in the crumbled candy cane bits.
Combine candy cane infused Zirkova Together vodka, cranberry juice and triple sec into a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into the chilled and rimmed martini glass.  Garnish with a candy cane hanging from the rim.  
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How to make candy cane infusion:
Break candy canes into small pieces and put into a mason jar.  Fill with Zirkova Together, shake and place in a cool, dark place for a few days.  1 day will impart a subtle candy cane flavour. 4 days will be much more intense.