Morello (Sour) Cherry Liqueur

I suppose you could make this with other types of cherries -- but it won't have the same flavour. Morello's are not meant for eating out of hand -- they DO make the most superb liqueur. This is the homemade liqueur you'll find in every Greek family's cupboard. This takes 1 1/2 months to macerate properly.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 6 cups

Ingredients

• 4  lbs  fresh morello cherries (or other variety)
• 3  lbs sugar (approximately)
• 2  pints vodka
• 2  pints  good-quality brandy
• 2  cinnamon sticks (about 3 inches long)
• 10  whole cloves
• 1  whole nutmeg (optional 6-8 allspice berries (optional)
• 1  star anise (optional)

Directions

1. Wash and remove the stems from the cherries.
2. Place a layer of cherries in a 4-quart jar and cover with a ½ inch layer of sugar.
3. Continue layering cherries and sugar in this manner, ending with sugar.
4. Add the spices and vodka.
5. Seal jar.
6. Place in a spot that receives the most sunlight during the day.
7. Leave to macerate for 4 weeks.
8. Add the brandy.
9. Seal tightly and let stand another 2 weeks, shaking every so often.
10. Strain into another bottle.
11. Discard spices.
12. Put cherries back in the bottle.
13. Store in a cool, dark place.
14. To serve: Pour into your pretties liqueur glass (the liqueur is ruby-red) and add 1-2 cherries to each glass.