Cranberry Liqueur

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse and pick over the cranberries, discarding stems and any soft or shriveled berries.
2. 2
   Chop berries in a blender.
3. 3
   In a sterile, wide-mouth jar, combine the cranberries, vodka, sugar syrup and orange zest.
4. 4
   Cap, shake gently and set aside in a cool dark place for 4 to 5 weeks.
5. 5
   When ready to proceed, strain out the solids and save for other uses (cakes, sauces or relish).
6. 6
   Filter and transfer to another sterilized bottle.
7. 7
   Note: To make sugar syrup, bring 1 1/4 cups sugar and 2/3 cup water to a boil.
8. 8
   Simmer, occasionally stirring and scraping down the sides of the pan, until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.