(makes about 1/2 gallon)
Ingredients:
2 12-ounce packages fresh cranberries
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons water
peels from 6 mandarin oranges (careful to avoid the bitter white pith)
1 whole vanilla bean
1.5 liters plain vodka
In a large saucepan, heat the cranberries, sugar and water over medium-high heat. Stirring often, heat until the mixture becomes syrupy and the cranberries begin to burst open (10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and add the orange peels, vanilla bean and vodka. Give it a good stir and allow to cool completely. Pour into an airtight container and allow to sit in a dark, cool place for three days, gently shaking it once a day. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and pour into several airtight jars or decorative bottles (if gift-giving) or into one large airtight jar or bottle (if keeping all to yourself) (which is okay too).
Start with cranberries and sugar
Add a few tablespoons of water
Heat until cranberries start to pop
Remove from heat and add mandarin orange peels and vanilla bean
Pour in vodka and let sit for a few days
Let the holidays begin!
