Homemade Holiday Cranberry Liqueur (Neal) Recipe

From corespondent T. J. Neal - his source unknown.

• 4 cups sugar
• 2 cups of water
• 3 cups cranberries
• 2 cups strawberries or raspberries
• peel of one orange, sliced and scraped
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 heaping teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 6 cups of vodka

1. In large saucepan, combine sugar, water, berries, orange peel and spices. Bring to a simmer and cook 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a double layer of cheesecloth (discard solids).
2. In a large bottle or jar, combine the above mixture with the vodka. Cover tightly and store 3 to 4 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the container every few days.
3. Strain and filter the liquid through a sieve lined with a double layer of cheesecloth, lightly pressing the fruit to extract as much of the juices as possible. Strain the liquid again and repeat until it's clear. Pour the liquid into two 1 quart bottles cover tightly and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks before using.