How to Make Cranberry Liqueur and a Wicked Cosmopolitan

The best Cranberry Liqueur are made with the best, fresh ingredients. Here is how to do it! And, make a fantastic Cosmo while you are at it.

Instructions:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

* 1 lb. Fresh Cranberries
* 3 cups of clear 60-80 proof liquor.
* 2 cups of sugar
* 1.5 cup water
* 1 lemon
* Pot with a lid
* Large Sealing glass container
* salt
* Glass bottles with sealing lids or corks

Step1
Create a simple syrup: Add 1.5 cup of water to the pot. Bring water to a slow boil. Slowly add the 2 cups of sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step2
See, these are much better than frozen! See, these are much better than frozen! The Cranberries: Seriously, use fresh berries. You can use frozen but, why (unless you have to)? If necessary, defrost berries. Put the berries in the blender or food processor and blend away. If you don't, the only flavor you will end up with is from the bitter skins.

Step3
The Mix: Throw the cranberries in the pot. Simmer on low (really, really low) for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand until cool.

Step4
The Good Part: Now it's time to pick out the Liquor. What do you like? Most use vodka but, if you like rum, gin or even tequila, then go nuts. After all, you are the one drinking it. Just remember, clear liquor works the best and you get what you pay for so use good quality liquor. If you really want to hype it up, you can also add a couple shots of Bacardi 151 or Everclear at this point too.

Step5
Steeping: Put the cranberry/sugar mixture into a clean sterile jar. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the jar. Add the liquor. Store in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Shake it up every day or so.

Step6
Clearing: Put the jar in the fridge for about a day so it gets good and cool. Then carefully pour the mixture into a bowl through a sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth. Stir in a teaspoon of salt (trust me).

Step7
Storing: Sterilize your bottles. Fill em up and put the caps on. Keep them refrigerated after opening for best results. They can keep in a cool dark place for about a year.

Cosmo anyone?
2 parts home-made cranberry liqueur
1 part Cointreau®
shaken not stirred
garnish with a wedge of orange, lemon or lime

Tips & Warnings

• Try this with your own home-made liquor. http://www.ehow.com/how_2091257_still-out-common-household-items.html
• For a twist, don't add the sugar at the beginning. Dissolve it over low heat with a pint of whipping cream. Let cool. Add it to the cleared cranberry mixture right before bottling for a superb cranberry cream liqueur. Bon Appetito!
• Drink responsibly