Strawberry Liqueur

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, ripe and unblemished
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 cups 100% proof vodka
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

1. 1

   Wash and stem the berries.

2. 2

   In a bowl crush the berries and sugar together.

3. 3

   Let stand for 1 hour.

4. 4

   Transfer mixture to a clean 2 qt container.

5. 5

   Add vodka, water, lemon juice, and zests.

6. 6

   Cover and let stand in a cool dark place for 2 days, shaking several times each day.

7. 7

   Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, discard solids.

8. 8

   Transfer the liqueur to a clean container.

9. 9

   Cover and let stand for 1 week.

10. 10

    Filter into a decorative bottle with a tight fitting lid.

11. 11

    Age for at least 1 month before serving.