*This Orange Vanilla Spritzer post has been sponsored by Macy’s Culinary Council. I have recieved compenstion for providing the recipe and information regarding the event. All opinions are my own.*
Chef Dana Herbert, a.k.a. “Sugar Daddy” is a Baker from Delaware who rose to fame with a win on Cake Boss: Next Great Baker in 2010. Following his win he has appeared on Cake Boss, Deals with Kat Cosely, Wedding Cake Wars, and Ultimate Cake Off. Basically y’all, what I am saying is that the guy can bake.

*photo credit: Macy’s Cuinary Council
He is coming to Orlando this Saturday, appearing at Macy’s Florida Mall, and he is making us brunch. AND he is signing cookbooks after the demo – his latest is called Sweet & Savory Union – and is yours free with a $35 purchase from Macy’s home department (you will also receive a Culinary Council Lunch bag with your purchase).
To celebrate his Orlando appearance, I was asked to recreate one of my favorite Chef Herbert recipes. He makes a lot of really delicious food, like Raspberry Cake and Sugar Cookies. I can’t make that stuff, Mr. Beet and I could eat all the cake and cookies in one sitting. I instead found a great recipe by Chef Dana for the Macy’s Culinary Council – a Cranberry Vanilla Spritzer. But here’s the thing – fresh cranberries are just not in season right now so I used blueberries instead. Here is my version – an Orange Vanilla Spritzer.
And if you have never used vanilla bean paste or orange bitters before in a recipe before, oh my, you are in for a treat.
Oh my Goodness, the recipe turned out dreamy and creamy. Just like a Creamsicle (or a Dreamsicle as some of you may know it by). Only better, and more liquid-y and not as frozen. Ha!
I had enough syrup left over to keep in my fridge and I am going to add it to my coffee in the morning. The syrup is slightly spicy, very sweet, and slightly bitter. I think it will be a perfect morning pick me up.
(Scroll down further for the Orange Vanilla Spritzer recipe) I hope to see you tomorrow at NOON at:
Macy’s Florida Mall
8001 S Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32809
*Event subject to change or cancellation. Seating is first come, first served. *Purchase must be made at Macy’s Florida Mall on October 6th, 2018. **One per customer, while supplies last and time permits. Gift cards, gifts, and cookbooks distributed on October 6th, 2018. Gift card valid on October 6th, 2018. Saturday 10/06/2018 12:00PM – 10:00PM*
And in the meantime – enjoy the Orange Vanilla Spritzer recipe:

Orange Vanilla Spritzer
This delicious spritzer is based off a recipe by Chef Dana Herbert on behalf of the Macy's Culinary Conuncil.
Ingredients
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 4 dashes orange bitters
- several pieces orange peel, (about 4 inches)
- 1 cup raw agave nectar
- 1 cup orange juice
- ice
- club soda
- blueberries,, frozen or fresh for garnish
Instructions
- Bring water, vanilla bean paste, orange bitters,orange peel, and agave nectar to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer for about three minutes, stirring to mix the ingredients well.
- Let syrup cool completely.
- Divide the orange syrup among 4 glasses (avoid pouring the orange peels into glass).
- Pour 1/2 cup of the orange juice into each of the glasses and carefully add ice, leaving about an inch from the top of the glass.
- Fill the rest of the glass up with the club soda and blueberries. Serve immediately.
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Helen Corbin
Monday 8th of October 2018
I will make this for Eva at Thanksgiving :-)