Cordially Yours (Homemade Fruit Liqueurs)

1. 1

   In a small saucepan heat together the sugar and water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; cool.

2. 2

   Pour sugar syrup into a 2 quart glass jar. Add desired fruit and vodka; stir gently. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid; let stand (steep) in a cool place for the suggested time.

3. 3

   After steeping, use a wire strainer and strain liquid through several thickness of 100% cotton cheesecloth or coffee filter into a large bowl. Using a funnel, transfer mixture to a bottle. Seal and label. Store at room temperature.

4. 4

   ORANGE CORDIAL:.

5. 5

   With a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, remove the thin orange layer of peel from 3 oranges, taking care to avoid the bitter white layer. Use peel to prepare cordial, reserving fruit for another use; steep the mixture for 3 weeks.

6. 6

   BANANA CORDIAL:.

7. 7

   Peel and thinly slice 1 ripe banana; steep the mixture for 1 week.

8. 8

   MANGO CORDIAL:.

9. 9

   Peel, pit and chop 2 ripe mangoes; steep the mixture for 1 to 2 weeks.

10. 10

    PEAR CORDIAL:.

11. 11

    Peel, core and thinly slice 6 medium pears; steep mixture for 3 weeks.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.