Makes 1 quart

For beautiful Christmas cocktails on the rocks and rose-colored martinis, this infused vodka is perfect. It’s easy to make, but you’ll still impress all your friends with your behind-the-bar know-how. The cranberries add a perfect tart flavor that is counterbalanced by the orange and the sweet- ness of the sugar. Cheers.

1 C fresh cranberries
1 ⁄ 4 C sugar
2 T water
grated zest of 1 orange
3 C vodka

Heat the cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat to dissolve the sugar. When the mixture gets syrupy and the cranberries begin to pop, remove from heat. Pour the mixture into a glass jar along with vodka and orange zest. Let stand at room temperature for 3 days up to 2 months. Shake the mixture periodically. If the berries look old, strain the vodka into a nice bottle with fresh cranberries (not cooked) and orange to give as a gift.