Morello (Sour) Cherry Liqueur - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lbs fresh morello cherries (or other variety)
3 lbs sugar (approximately)
2 pints vodka
2 pints good-quality brandy
2 cinnamon sticks (about 3 inches long)
10 whole cloves
1 whole nutmeg (optional 6-8 allspice berries (optional)
1 star anise (optional)

Preparation

Wash and remove the stems from the cherries.
Place a layer of cherries in a 4-quart jar and cover with a 1/2 inch layer of sugar.
Continue layering cherries and sugar in this manner, ending with sugar.
Add the spices and vodka.
Seal jar.
Place in a spot that receives the most sunlight during the day.
Leave to macerate for 4 weeks.
Add the brandy.
Seal tightly and let stand another 2 weeks, shaking every so often.
Strain into another bottle.
Discard spices.
Put cherries back in the bottle.
Store in a cool, dark place.
To serve: Pour into your pretties liqueur glass (the liqueur is ruby-red) and add 1-2 cherries to each glass.