Cinnamon Liqueur

Forget the neon-red stuff at the liquor store. This homemade cinnamon liqueur is the real thing.

A cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and ground coriander steep in a mix of vodka and brandy for two weeks, slowly pulling all that warm spice into the alcohol. Strain it, sweeten with sugar syrup to your liking, then let it rest for one more week to mellow out.

The result is a smooth, aromatic liqueur with genuine spice depth.

Pour it neat, mix it into cocktails, or stir a splash into boiling water for a warming winter drink.

Kitchen Tips

• Use a clean quart mason jar with a tight lid for steeping. Keep it in a cool, dark spot and give it a gentle shake every few days.
• Strain through cheesecloth or a coffee filter for crystal-clear liqueur. It may take a couple passes.
• Add the sugar syrup gradually and taste as you go. You can always add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away.
• Bottle it in a nice glass flask and you’ve got a homemade holiday gift that costs almost nothing to make.