White Russian Cupcakes with Vodka Buttercream Icing

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups

sugar

1 cup

unsalted butter, good quality at room temperature (I love Kerrygold!)

3 cups

flour, good quality

1/2 cup

buttermilk, room temperature

1/4 cup

vodka

1/4 cup

Kahlua or coffee liqueur

1 tbsp

baking powder

1 tsp

vanilla powder (like Heilala) or 2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

salt

large eggs, room temperature (I like Happy Eggs, from truly free-range chickens)

ICING

4 oz

butter, good quality, at room temperature

4 cups

(about a pound) confectioner’s (powdered) sugar

1/4 cup

good quality vodka, this too, will make a difference

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

little milk to make a smoother consistency, if too stiff