How to make a rosemary themed bloody mary with infused vodka, rosemary ice cubes, prosciutto wrapped figs, and a bloody mary cheese ball
Oh the holidays. It’s that festive time of year, filled with lots of holiday cheer. And endless repeats of the likes of Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story. But more importantly, an excuse to lounge around in your comfy pants, snack on cookies until your heart’s content, and drink copious amounts of booze all in the spirit of the season. Wait, how is that any different than the current Groundhog Day situation we’re living in?! I digress…
Listen, don’t be a “cotton headed ninny muggins!” It’s time to get focused and get your brunch game on point for all those socially-distanced responsible get-togethers you’re going to be hosting. Don’t worry, we’re temporarily expanding from the food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. We need bloody marys by the dozen, garnishes galore, and appetizers a plenty.
Now, I love a theme. So I decided to take a crack at using, perhaps, an unexpected ingredient – rosemary. Can I be real with you? (Too bad it’s happening). I’m actually not a typical proponent of rosemary, however there is something about it that just reminds me of the holidays. Perhaps it’s the distinct aroma that fills the air whilst baking next to your red potatoes. Perhaps it’s the undeniable and recognizable flavor that seeps into your succulent turkey. Or maybe it’s the resemblance to a pine tree? You choose.
After I’m done with you, that naughty list will be no more. Your holidays are about to be lit (and likely Santa will be too). You’ll be the talk of the town. We’re about to make a bloody mary mix with rosemary-infused vodka and rosemary ice cubes. Figs stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, and cooked with rosemary. And screw those gingerbread houses, how about a bloody mary cheese ball? No rosemary here, I promise. I just love cheese. Seriously, who doesn’t.
So what do you say? Shall we get started? I triple-dog dare ya! Now get your ass in the kitchen. Grab a mimosa, an ugly holiday sweater, and put your party pants on. “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas, damnit!”
The Cubes
Ice, ice, baby. But with rosemary and lemon! I thought this might be interesting as a little extra trickle of flavor as the ice melts into your bloody mary while sipping. To an ice cube tray, add a few drops of fresh lemon juice, a quarter sprig of rosemary and fill the rest with some H2O. Freeze overnight.
The Vodka
You can of course use any type of vodka to your liking, but if you want to stay committed to the rosemary theme, let’s infuse that ish!
Ingredients
(3) sprigs of rosemary
Bottle of your favorite vodka
In a pint jar, add (3) sprigs of rosemary. Pour in your favorite non-flavored vodka, and fill the jar to the top. At a minimum, let it sit overnight. The longer you leave it be, the more flavor goodness you get!
Rose(MERRY) Bloody Mary
Makes 10oz.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
(1) cup tomato juice
(1/2) cup crushed tomatoes
(2) tbsp lemon juice
(1) tbsp tomato paste
(2) cloves of garlic
(1) sprig fresh oregano – leaves only
(1) tsp beef broth
(1/2) tbsp of olive oil
(1/4) tsp black pepper
Garnish
Celery stalk
Pickled green bean
Pickled asparagus
Green olive
Sprig(s) of rosemary
Rosemary & prosciutto figs (see recipe below)
Making The Mix
I went with a lighter mix, leaning on ingredients that pair well with rosemary. You could even say it’s more Mediterranean-inspired using lemon juice, beef broth, fresh oregano, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh garlic.
Considering you’ll be adding rosemary-infused vodka and rosemary ice cubes, I thought we could back off of the rosemary for the mix. A little does go a long way when it comes to rosemary. While it sure can spice up any dish or cocktail when used properly, the last thing you want to do is over-power anything you’re making. No need to taste like you’re eating a pine cone, know what I’m saying?
The result is bright, mild, very easy to drink, super fresh-tasting, and herbaceous. Definitely tomato forward.
Directions
Step 1: Prep your produce. Cut the ends of the garlic gloves off. Squeeze your lemon into a small bowl. Pluck the leaves from your oregano sprigs.
Step 2: To a food processor (or blender or Ninja), dump in your liquids. Add the tomato juice, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil and beef broth.
Step 3: Seasonings and produce are next. Add lemon juice, oregano, garlic and black pepper.
Step 4: Blend until desired viscosity and taste.
The Figs
It’s time to up the ante here, folks. Gone are the days of bacon in your bloody mary. Don’t get me wrong, I freaking love bacon. But listen, it’s the holidays and you need to start #adulting. We’re classing it up here. I’m talking figs, stuffed with goat cheese, then wrapped in prosciutto. And pierced with a sprig of rosemary. No need for an air freshener, get ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of delicious.
These play double duty for your garnish and app game. This recipe makes a dozen, but don’t forget you’ll need at least one for a garnish.
Makes 12
Ingredients
(1) bag of dried figs
(1) small log of goat cheese
(1) package of prosciutto
(1) tbsp of honey
(6) springs of rosemary halved
(2) tbsp of olive oil
(1/4) tsp of black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Prep your ingredients. Cut your rosemary sprigs in half. Cut each of your figs in half and remove a small amount of the center filling.
Step 3: Into a bowl, mix goat cheese and black pepper together. Let sit to soften.
Step 4: Using a half teaspoon, pack each fig with goat cheese.
Step 5: Wrap each of your figs with a piece of prosciutto. Spear a rosemary sprig through the center of the fig to hold the prosciutto in place. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Brush olive oil lightly on each of the pieces of prosciutto.
Step 7: Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until prosciutto turns a light brown.
Step 8: Lightly drizzle figs with honey. Serve warm
The Cheese Ball
You’ve rounded the corner and hit what I’m certain will be the holy grail of your brunchurday. And guess what? This ball of goodness surprisingly has no rosemary in it. Shocker, I know.
So where does this misfit belong amongst a flurry of rosemary you ask? Well it’s not just any kind of cheese ball. It’s a bloody mary cheese ball. And…CHEESE. Enough said.
Ingredients
(1/2) brick of cream cheese
(1) tbsp tomato paste
(1) tsp hot sauce
(1) tsp lemon juice
(1/4) tsp celery salt
(1/4) tsp horseradish
(1/2) tsp of worcestershire
(8) green olives
Directions
Step 1: Add cream cheese to a small mixing bowl and let soften
Step 2: Cut up each of your green olives into tiny little pieces. Set aside for now.
Step 3: To the same bowl, add tomato paste, hot sauce, lemon juice, celery salt, horseradish and worcestershire. Mix until all ingredients are blended together.
Step 4: Grab a small dish and add cheese mixture to center, using a spatula to form into a dome.
Step 5: Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from refrigerator. Take green olives and gently press onto the cheese ball until covered.
Step 7: Place crackers around your ball(s) and watch it get devoured. Now, who’s naughty?
Tis the Season… to Start Drinkin’
Apparently those stockings were hung and those prayers were said, because you did it! Cheers to you for sticking it out. All the pieces are in place, and now it’s time to host one kick-ass brunch.
So after checking your list twice, you should have the following:
Rosemary & lemon ice cubes
Rosemary-infused vodka
Bloody mary mix
Rosemary & prosciutto figs
Bloody mary cheese ball
To a lowball glass, pour about an ounce of vodka. Add in your ice cubes and bloody mary mix. Decorate with care using your garnishes and figs. And last, but certainly not least, bring it on home by trimming the table with those fine appetizers.
Alright, I take back everything I said about you. You’re not a “cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing…” I think you know the rest. HALLELUJAH! Where’s the Tylenol?
Happy holidays!
Photo Credits:
Jason Pirock | Eat, Drink and Bloody Mary
