Prime Pairing: Cheesecake cookie cups and a chai mule

A light cocktail and rich mini-desserts can hit the spot on a summer afternoon. 

We’ve paired a spicy and creative spin on a mule with a these delicious cheesecake bites. They are decadent, but really simple to make with household ingredients. It’s tough to beat something that will impress a guest with minimal effort.

Red Rocks Spirits may be the official vodka of the Colorado Rockies, but you won’t find either of these homemade treats at Coors Field. And that’s appropriate. This pairing is more suited to a porch swing or a patio fire pit. 

For more cocktail recipes, visit RedRocksSpirits.com. There are also fun “Supper Club Sunday” videos on the distillery’s Instagram page. We were particularly drawn to the spicy blackberry vodka smash paired with a blackberry brie grilled cheese sandwich. 

Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Ingredients
Makes 12 cookie cups
2 packages (16 ounces each) chocolate chip cookie dough
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
crumbled cookies, for topping (optional)
sprinkles, for topping (optional)

Directions
Heat oven to 350 F. 
In a muffin tin, press three pieces of cookie dough into each muffin hole. Bake 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then use a shot glass and press into each hole. Let cool another 5 minutes and place on rack to cool completely.
With a hand mixer, mix heavy cream and sugar until it thickens and then add cream cheese and powdered sugar; cream together. Spoon into cool cookie cups.
If desired, use a piping bag to create a pretty edge around each cup. Top with crumbled cookies or sprinkles, if desired.

Food recipe provided by Cookin’ Savvy at Culinary.net

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Chai Mule

Ingredients
Makes one cocktail
1½ ounces Red Rocks Vodka
1½ ounces ginger ale or ginger beer
3 ounces chai concentrate
3 ounces water

Directions
Add ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it like it’s -40 outside. Pour into a copper mug or whatever you have lying around.

Cocktail recipe provided by Red Rocks Spirits