Cranberry Liqueur

Oh, this one will keep you smiling!  It's especially great for holiday parties.  Actually, when you drink it, any day becomes a holiday AND a party!  And, with the cranberries, you can talk yourself into believing it's healthy.  Three jiggers of antioxidants, please...

2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 (12 oz.) pkg. fresh cranberries
3 cups vodka

1.      Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan, cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat, and cool completely.
2.      Place cranberries in a food processor, process until finely chopped.  Combine sugar mixture and cranberries in a large bowl, stir in vodka.  Mix well.
3.      Pour the vodka mixture into clean jars, secure with lids.  Let stand 3 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking every other day.
4.      Strain the cranberry mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a bowl, and discard solids.  Carefully pour liqueur into clean bottles or jars.  Yield 4 ½ cups.

Note:  Liqueur can be stored refrigerated or at room temperature for up to a year.