Strawberry Liqueur

Directions

1. 1
   De-hull and wash the strawberries, and dry them well (you could pat dry each gently using paper towels).
2. 2
   Put them in a single layer if possible in a ziplock bag or on a tray, and freeze until completely frozen.
3. 3
   Sterilize the storage jar you'll be using with vodka or other high-alcohol content liquor.
4. 4
   (Do this one the day you will be making the liqueur.)
5. 5
   Put the completely frozen strawberries in the sterilized jar from Step 2, with the peeled and sliced lemon and rock crystal sugar.
6. 6
   Pour the vodka over everything, close the lid and your work is done.
7. 7
   Gently shake the jar occasionally to make sure all the strawberries are immersed in the alcohol.
8. 8
   I plan to let the berries macerate for 2 months, and age the liqueur while checking it for taste over a year.
9. 9
   After one week, the liqueur will have turned a pretty red color!
10. 10
    The strawberries have lost their color and shape.
11. 11
    I took the berries, and passed the liqueur through a coffee filter.
12. 12
    This liqueur matured faster than any fruit liqueur I've ever made, and when I tasted it the other day, it was already quite mild.
13. 13
    I recommend this method for people who want a fast-maturing liqueur.
14. 14
    The strawberry flavor was very good too.