CHERRY FLAVORED LIQUEUR RECIPES

Steps:

• Pit and halve the cherries. As in all vodka recipes, it is important that the flesh of the fruit be somehow exposed.
• Fill a jar with the cherries, but do not pack it. Pour the vodka on top and seal tightly. Leave in a dark place, preferably for at least 2 weeks—or up to 6 months. At the end of that time, open the jar and strain. If you have a very fine-mesh strainer, that will do. If not, use an ordinary strainer lined with a cheesecloth or even a coffee filter. Set the strainer over a large bowl, ideally one from which you'll be able to easily pour afterward. Pour the vodka mixture through the strainer and allow the fruit to sit, seeping liquid, for a good hour or so, stirring a bit and pressing if need be to make the liquid go through.
• Now taste the vodka. Add sugar if you want an after-dinner liqueur, or leave it out if you want something sharper. Pour (or ladle) into a decorative bottle.

Steps:

• Combine cherries, cinnamon sticks, and vodka in a large non-reactive jar. Cover and let stand at room temperature 2 to 3 days. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving fruit. Stir in simple syrup and almond extract to taste.
• Divide among clean jars. Add some of reserved fruit, if desired. (Remaining cherries can be refrigerated up to 1 month; send a small jar of extras along with the liqueur, or save them for yourself—they're great in Manhattans!) Refrigerate up to 3 months.