Vanilla-Mint Cordials

Directions

1. 1
   Coarsely chop mint leaves, reserving a few whole sprigs for garnish.
2. 2
   Make a mint syrup by mixing 1/2 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small pot over medium-high heat.
3. 3
   Stir until sugar dissolves, and bring to boil, simmer 5 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from heat; add mint.
5. 5
   Cool completely.
6. 6
   Strain, discarding mint.
7. 7
   Add ice water to 4 cordial glasses.
8. 8
   Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add vanilla vodka, liqueur, and 2 oz mint syrup; shake well.
9. 9
   Pour remaining syrup on a small plate; mix 1/3 cup sugar with vanilla powder on another.
10. 10
    Drain ice water from the glasses.
11. 11
    Dip rims in sugar, then in vanilla sugar to coat.
12. 12
    Strain cocktail into glasses and garnish each with mint sprigs (if using).