A couple of weeks ago, Brian proposed a road trip – to a mall! Somerset Mall is about 1 1/2 hours from where we live. Despite the crazy humid weather and ridiculous construction along the route, I agreed because this girl simply can’t refuse a trip to Anthropologie.
Within about 5 minutes of being inside the mall, Brian fell in love with a pair of jeans from Nordstrom. Despite his 6’5″ frame, they needed some serious attention from a tailor to have a proper fit. This whole hemming situation left us with some serious time to kill, so we decided on an early dinner.
The mall has a few great chain dining options like P.F. Changs and J. Alexander’s (one of our faves), but since both of those restaurants are near our home town, we decided to try a new-to-us place – The Capital Grille.
We were greeted by a gorgeously dark, rich atmosphere with dim lighting and an incredibly friendly server named Steve. Steve escorted us to a cozy table in a separate area of seating off of the main dining area, and it almost felt gasp! – romantic.
When he learned we were newbies to Capital Grille, Steve navigated us through the menu, offering suggestions for his favorites as well as narrowing down a few of our top picks. We both opted for steaks, which were pretty damn fantastic; however the real star of the show came before we’d ever taken a bite. Their signature cocktail – The Stoli Doli, has stolen both our hearts.
You guys know that I am not much of a drinker, but this cocktail could very well change all that – it’s smooth, refreshing, and downright delicious. After gushing to Steve about how awesome it was, he convinced me to order just one more and spilled the details as to how the Stoli Doli is made.
It’s basically Stoli Vodka that is poured over sliced, fresh Dole pineapple – hence the Stoli Doli name. He said to place the pineapple in a jug, pour a bottle of vodka over it to cover the pineapple, and then let it sit for about 12 days.
Of course, we wanted to know how the pineapple tasted after the infusion process, but Steve warned us to stay far away from the pineapple because it’s incredibly disgusting. Brian can tell you that this is a definite affirmative because he just had to take a bite – that he promptly spit out into the trash while I laughed at him.
That very same weekend we decided we MUST make our very own batch of Stoli Doli. Here we are, 13 days later, and our result is pretty great! I don’t think they’re quite up to Capital Grille standards, but Brian thinks they’re perfect as-is. I’m quite the pansy, so I’ve been adding a little pineapple juice to mine.
Whether you’re looking for a cocktail to beat the summer heat or you’ve been nominated to bring beverages to your next cookout, I’m fairly certain the Stoli Doli will be a huge hit!
Just be forewarned and drink responsibly! These seemingly sweet and unassuming cocktails can pack a pretty big punch!
Stoli Doli
Yield: 1 Liter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12-14 days
Ingredients:
1 fresh pineapple
1 liter Stolichnaya VodkaDirections:
1. Slice the pineapple into chunks and place into a large container, preferably one with a spigot, such as a drink dispenser.
2. Pour the Stolichnaya Vodka directly over the fresh pineapple until the pineapple is covered with vodka.
3. Allow to sit for 12-14 days to infuse the vodka with the pineapple.
4. To serve, pour the pineapple infused vodka into a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass.
Notes:
- This recipe doubles well.
- We infused our vodka at room temperature.
- We strained our vodka, funneled it back into the Stoli bottle and stored it within the refrigerator.
- The glass dispenser was purchased at Target.
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{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
What a perfect idea for summer, I love the idea of the fresh taste of this cocktail and how easy it is!
sounds great! I had a very similar drink when in Key West , FL at the Hot Tin Roof called the Tintini. Except our waiter told us, it was a whole pineapple ( peeled of course) in a bottle of stoli for a week, then everything is put in the blender. We’ve yet to recreate it at home, but your version sounds like the straining would keep longer. Wonder how that would taste with coconut vodka? Ohhh……….
I’m going “ohhh” with you! The coconut vodka idea is genius!
I am all over this drink, I love pineapple.. thanks for sharing the drink of your “romantic” date..
Somerset in Troy?! No way, we’re practically neighbors. That mall is dangerous with all the amazing shopping and food. I’ve heard the Capital Grill is awesome. This drink looks delicious!
I am defiantly going to try this but with vanilla vodka instead. Oh, the possibilities!
This sounds ultra-tasty. What an awesome waiter.
These are my favorite from the Capital Grille. Be careful, they are potent!! We used to go there a lot when we lived in downtown Boston, and one night when I ordered my third (gasp!), the bartender said, “Now Cheryl, martinis are like breasts, one is not enough, but three is too many”! How funny is that? Words that have stayed with me all these years.
Not new here, but new to posting. Just had to say I love your blog and your recipes (most recently the 7Up pound cake!). We were just at Capital Grille at Somerset the other day (we live about 1/2 hr away) and I’m so bummed that I didn’t try the Stoli Doli. Sounds so easy to make at home, but this will give me a good excuse to make my hubby take me back to CG! Thanks!
So simple, and yet so delicious! I have to try this. Like you, I’d probably add some pineapple juice to my cocktail.
This is definately my cup of tea. Where did you get your dispenser from?
This could be the start of something big. Despite my proclivity for posting cocktails each week, I’m not really a big drinker either but I love making them. Go figure huh? Still…the process of combining vodka with fruit should not be limited to just pineapple…go on, start the room addition now because it can get crazy! I love infused vodkas but have yet to do pineapple…seems that must change; thanks for the push.
Ooh yum! Sounds like a perfect summer drink, and one I will be trying soon. By the way, what town do you live in? I’m from Lansing and I LOVE the Somerset Mall!!
I love this! Sounds just wonderful!! I can’t wait to give your recipe a try, I just know my Husband will LOVE it!
I absolutely LOVE this idea!! And such a great presentation, too
This sounds so yummy! Did you let it sit on the counter or in the fridge to infuse for the 12 days?
Julie-
Great question. We left ours on the counter at room temp, but I am sure the fridge would work well too. Have a great day!
-Jamie
LOVE the sound of this. Also love the dispenser, which I’ve never seen before. Anyone any ideas where to get these?????
Karrie-
We picked our dispenser up at Target for $19.99. Thanks for stopping by.
-Jamie
Stored for 12 days in the fridge or at room temperature?
Stacey-
Hi! We stored ours at room temperature. Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie
Thank you so much! I’m so excited to try this!
Awesome and beautiful! I love that glass container too!
sounds so delicious! yum!
mmmm…yummy! we have a restaurant around here that does the same thing with tequila, they steep it for 3 days I believe. It made the tequila so smooth!
Well, now we know you’re most likely a “Michigan Girl”. Gotta love Somerset as well as The Capital Grille! We’re from West Michigan and when we come down to the “Detroit area” to shop Somerset, we always eat at Capital Grille. I absolutely love pineapple martinis. We make one based on a Grand Lux Cafe recipe made with equal parts vanilla vodka, pineapple rum and pineapple juice. Will have to try your version…and soon! Thanks!
While the pineapple was sitting in the vodka for the 12-14 days, was it at room temperature? I would assume so… Thanks! (I’d add pineapple juice to my drink too.)
Debbie-
Yes, we left ours at room temperature. Have a great day!
-Jamie
Oh my gosh!! I am not a drinker at all and I LOVE THIS DRINK. My husband takes me to the Capital Grille every year for our anniversary and I get this drink…It’s like no other!
This sounds totally up my alley!!! Ha – and I love that he had to try the pineapple.
Simple, easy, and delicious! I like!
I’ve never commented on a recipe but I have to tell you, I did a double take when I saw this on Facebook! My husband introduced me to the beloved Stoli Dolis on our first date and it has been love ever since. No party of ours is complete with a big glass jug of these!! These are wildly dangerous because you can’t taste the vodka and you tanked real quick!
Started my pineapple vodka on Friday…..it’s now Tuesday and I am patiently waiting for next Wednesday. Longhorn Steaks makes this vodka and it is absolutely delicious AND expensive.
A year ago I was in Honolulu at a restaraunt called Roy’s. They have a similar signature drink where you infuse pinaples with 1/2 vodka, 1/4 stoli’s and 1/4 Malibu rum. It has become a summer time favorite! Just watch the pinaples they pack a punch!
Perfect cocktail for summer celebrations
Just wondering if the dispenser is plastic or glass? Would it make a difference? (you know, acid of pineapple, vodka). Looks delish!
Julie-
My dispenser is glass, I don’t know how plastic would react. Hope this helps.
-Jamie
ohhhh , I feel a little tipsy! yum
Ahaha. He tried it?! Guys…
But this is pretty neat!
Love this! I definitely need this tonight – it’s been a long work week!
Oh My Goooooooodnesssss! This is awesome!
Great recipe for a fresh and summery beverage! My husband will love it!
That mall is my favorite! I love it there. I’ve never been to the Capital Grille though. I think this might have convinced me to give it a try. I’m definitely going to try this cocktail at home. Sounds deadly and delicious!
I am all for infusing my own vodkas – so much fun!!
I happen to have a pineapple in my fridge right NOW… 12 days from now it’s ON : )
This is definitely on my list of must make, though now I’m wondering how to use that coconut tequila from the weekend too. Wouldn’t want to use ALL tequila, but it was SO good!
I love this, alone and for the cocktails it can inspire.
Had my first “Stoli Doli” at the Redstone in Oak Brook Terrace, and love it, now if they would only give me the recipe for the asian slaw they serve with the their Ahi Tuna I would be in set! I am making a batch right now for Christmas gifts. In the past I have let it infuse for 7-10 days and have been happy with the result, but will go 12-14 with the next batch to see if there is a difference. I also press all the pineapple or put it in the food processor and then strain ALL the juice. It’s delicious and yes, very dangerous.
Have made this several times, but started doing one additional step, crushing the pineapple to get all the vodka out. Seems like the sugar in the pineapple is mostly pushed out,much in the way it works when you brine something.
I also filter with some cheesecloth so there’s no pulp.
Served it at a party and it was a huge hit!
Bob-
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for stopping by and providing your feedback – have a great day!
-Jamie