I was recently invited by Simple Vodka, whose mission has always been to fight hunger in America, to participate in their Simple Sips At Home campaign during this COVID-19 quarantine period. (*Simple Vodka is made from Idaho Russet potatoes. They use wind and solar energy; recycle their wastewater, and upcycle their potato byproduct into animal feed– wow! They were also awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2017 and 2018.)
Because of the COVID-19 crisis, more Americans are facing food insecurity than ever before. By creating and posting this recipe on Instagram, Simple Vodka is donating 1,000 meals on my behalf to Feeding America. AND as long as non-essential businesses remain closed, with every purchase of Simple Vodka, the company is doubling its usual contribution of 20 meals donated per bottle produced to 40 meals per bottle sold! 1 drink = 2 meals! If you’re in the US, you can buy online at here. Use the code 1DRINK2MEALS for 20% off your order!
I’d like to share my SIMPLE recipe on the blog as well, which you can easily make at home during this quarantine/ lockdown period. (Special shout out to my cousin B for helping me!)
THE CHAI BALL
*All my cocktail gear is in the Philippines, so I’ve used my tumbler as a shaker and tablespoons and teaspoons instead of a jigger for measurements!
Ingredients:
Simple Vodka (3 tbsp or 45ml)
Chai tea bags
Lime (1 tbsp or 15ml)
Lemon (1 tbsp or 15ml)
Honey (1 tsp or 5ml)
Rosemary
Ginger Beer or ginger soda (I’ve ingested enough calories during this quarantine so I opted for diet ginger ale)
Ice
Procedure:
For the infusion
Pour 1 cup of Simple Vodka in a glass jar you can cover (I used a mason jar) and place a chai tea bag inside. Let steep for at least 6 hours to overnight for max flavor.
Muddle a handful of rosemary into a shaker (or tumbler). Add Simple Vodka, lime juice, lemon juice, honey. Add ice. Cover and shake.
Strain into a nice glass filled with ice—whatever you have; I used a stemless wine glass. Top with some ginger beer/ ginger ale. Garnish with rosemary and lime or lemon, and enjoy!
*Modifications:
If you have only lime or lemon, that’s fine, too! Just double the quantity. If you don’t have honey, sugar works, too. If you can’t find rosemary, mint is fine. 🙂
I hope you enjoy this cocktail and please do let me know or tag me on Instagram (@chertiu) if you end up making it! xx
