Cheesecake Martini

Cheesecake has one of those unmistakable flavors that's hard to beat.  It's tangy, sweet, and creamy, and the graham cracker crust adds a beautiful textural contrast.

If you also like cheesecake, consider making yourself something with all the high points of this delicious dessert and all the powers of strong liquor!

This drink is particularly good for parties when you'd like to impress your guests.  You only need a little preparation, and then it's just a matter of mixing.

Most of this recipe depends heavily on the base of the drink, but don't worry - it's very quick to make!

For 7-8 drinks:

• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 2-3 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1½ cups Vanilla ice cream

Be sure to taste the mixture as you go and make adjustments accordingly.  You might prefer to double to the cream cheese and triple the sugar.

If you're doing this for a party, make this ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Rimming the glass is important because cheesecake just isn't cheesecake without that graham cracker crust.

Lightly dip the glass rim in the drink base and coat in crushed graham crackers, but if you want to serve the cocktail like a meal, get it on nice and thick.  I won't judge.  I love crust, too.

If you're doing this for a party, just cover the tray of crushed graham crackers with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Mixing the actual drink after making the base and rimming the glass is a breeze because it's really just three ingredients. Don't get me wrong - the base and rim are quite easy, but this is when the magic happens because who doesn't love the tiny rattling noises of booze and ice inside a cocktail shaker?

Mix the following with ice and strain:

• ¼ cup Drink base
• ½ oz Tuaca
• 1 oz Vodka

This is just a basic mixture, and you might prefer to add a little more base or a little more liquor.

Don't limit yourself to just making a vanilla cheesecake martini - consider substituting Tuaca for Limoncello (lemon), Creme de Cocoa (Chocolate), or Chambord (raspberry).

This is particularly great for parties because you can give guests options just by simply switching out the liqueur.  After all, variety is the spice of life.