I am admittedly a person that does not like to wait for things to be ready to use. A day is fine–this past week (or rather 8 days) has been filled with anxiety. This may be why I haven’t tried making wine…or why I make hot process soap. Instant gratification.

Last week, I started infusing vodka with cranberries and vanilla beans–Cranberry Vanilla Vodka. Everyday this past week when I was in the pantry, I swirled the vodka, cranberries, and vanilla beans around inside my pickle jar.

While it only needs to infuse for a week, a couple weeks are fine. But I’ve been impatient! One week was enough and I finally found some time to filter it last night.

When I opened the jar, I was amazed that it smelled “smooth”, much smoother than the vodka when I poured it in. I’m afraid I won’t be giving the full bottle, I will have to sample first…it just smells good!

First I strained it through a mesh strainer.

I stirred it up and pressed it through to get all the liquid.

I’m reserving the cranberry vanilla “mash” for further experimenting. Isn’t that a beautiful shade of red? Into the freezer it goes!

Then I tried straining through a coffee filter. Absurdly s.l.o.w. Like drip…drip…drip. (Something to do with not being able to wait…) I wish I had a milk filter. I think coffee filters are for hot liquids, not cold.

So, onto several layers of a flour sack towel.

There’s a steady flow, now we’re in business.

This is just beautiful. Such an amazing red. Much nicer than I see in the stores. See? Homemade is better.

Funnel into your bottle. I don’t have to steal out of the bottle! There is plenty for a drink or two for me 🙂

With a little raffia, it’s ready to gift.

And with a little orange juice, a Cranberry Tart is ready to drink. Cheers!

Cindy blogs at Our Life Simplified.

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