Morello (Sour) Cherry Liqueur

evelyn/athens's Note:

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.

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 6 cups

• 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.