Mary Bloody Murphy, Lil' C & Tyce Diorio: Summer Cocktail Week 1 (Amie & Bonnie)

For our SYTYCD theme week creation we were originally inspired by the cocktail potential of the double entendre (to be pronounced in Nigel Lythgoe's voice) "Mary Bloody Murphy!" and thus began our *Hot Tamale Train* week of brainstorming. Our beverages all use Hot Tamale infused vodka, are presented in shot-glass format, and are inspired by three of the judges from this week's SYTYCD premier show: Mary Murphy, Lil' C and Tyce Diorio.

Two helpful hints if you decide to try this project at home. First, the mini shaker was invaluable. Not only does it provide a well-sized utensil for shaking experimental concoctions, but the top of the shaker is a mini-measurer (3.5 of these will fill a standard shot glass). When the recipes call for "1 part x" know that the lid of the mini-shaker was used (pictured sitting on top of the box of Hot Tamales). Second, although some infusions become better over time, the cinnamon flavor of the vodka is mature at 2-3 days and by day 4 the candies begin to lose their structure. Thus we strongly recommend straining the infused vodka into another bottle sooner than you might for other infusion projects.

Ingredients:

Hot Tamales (1 large box)

1 bottle of vodka, 750ml (Absolut used)

Remove 5-6 shots from the full bottle of vodka to allow room for the entire box of Hot Tamales to be poured in. Shake occasionally over the course of 2-3 days. 

Mary Bloody Murphy

2 parts HT vodka

1 part V8 juice

7-8 drops Lea & Perrins

4 drops Tabasco

1 healthy squeeze of grapefruit (this addition nicely bridges the varying palates of the sweetness and tomato)

Lil' C

2 parts HT Vodka

1 part Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur

1 part freshly-squeezed orange juice

1 healthy squeeze of lime (approx. 1/4 part)

1 drop Angostura Bitters

Tyce Diorio

1 part + another dash HT Vodka

1 part Chocolate liqueur (Godiva Dark Chocolate used)

1/2 part Chocolate vodka (Godiva used)