Cran-Apple Liqueur
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh cranberries
2 cups coarsely chopped tart green apples, pared and cored
1 cup brandy
1 cup vodka
1 vanilla bean, split
6 whole cloves
1 2-inch cinnamon stick, broken in pieces
Combine sugar and water in a heavy sauscepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Resuce heat and simmer until sugar has completely dissolved, aobut 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Combine cranberries, apples, brandy, sugar syrup, vodka, brandy, vanilla bean, cloves and cinnamon stick in a large jar. Cap tightly and let steep for 3 weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake jar daily.
When steeping period is complete, strain and filter the liquid. Pour into bottles and cap tightly. Let age at lease 1 month before serving.
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