My big sister (every bit of 5 feet tall) who has always looked after me growing up has made a request of me to make a version of Absolut Mandrin for her lemon drop martini's.
She has tried many of the things I have made in the past that I tend to leave at a higher proof of 100. Like Mr. P's Fire Piss, Blackberry macerate, Blueberry macerate, White dog, and at 80 proof apple pie. Most of the time she makes this face
when she taste it. I even saw this face once 
. Even this one 
is no stranger to me from her! Of course this is usually followed by a full body shutter and some sort of crazy chicken dance where she stomps her right foot like a dog scratching fleas!This is far from the response that I get from friends who drink, they and my wife and I love it.
So she ask me if I could make something close to Absolut Mandrin for her martini's and I said I would try. For once I would like to get a
or at least a 
from her!I know I need to get a small bottle to have a taste goal cause I am not familiar with Absolut Mandrin. I was thinking a macerate of mandarin orange zest and some slices to start with. And I also know I need to bring the proof down a little for her. I'm thinking 80 just like the Absolut.
I welcome any input and will try to share my results as they unfold.
I have heard about vodka flavoring's you can buy at brew shops and have never tried any. Don't know is this is a path I want to take or not, sounds like cheating to me!
Richard7