Vanilla-Mint Cordials

1 . Stage

Coarsely chop mint leaves, reserving a few whole sprigs for garnish (optional).

2 . Stage

Make a mint syrup by mixing sugar and water in a small pot over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, and bring to a boil; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add mint. Cool completely. Strain, discarding mint.

3 . Stage

Add ice water to 4 cordial glasses. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add vanilla vodka, liqueur, and 2 ounces mint syrup; shake well.

4 . Stage

Pour remaining syrup on a small plate; mix 1/3 cup sugar with vanilla powder on another. Drain ice water from glasses. Dip rims in syrup, then in vanilla sugar to coat. Strain cocktail into glasses, and garnish each with mint sprigs (if using).