Pear Liquor

1/2 lb pears
1 1/2 c vodka
1/2 c sugar syrup (recipe follows)
1 pn cinnamon
1 pn nutmeg
1 clove
1 coriander seed
1 apple (optional)

SUGAR SYRUP
1 c white granulated sugar
1/2 c water

The bartlett pear is the best to use for liquor making. It is juicy, sweet and smooth. Avoid one with cuts, bruises, dark spots or decay.

Slice pears (and apple if desired) and add to other ingredients, adding sugar syrup last. Stir gently and steep 3 weeks. Strain and filter. Taste and adjust flavor by adding more fruit or sugar syrup if needed. Steep another 3-4 weeks, strain. Ready for use. Yield 1.5 pints. Container: Wide mouth 1/2 gallon jar.

SUGAR SYRUP: Boil together for about 5 minutes at a full boil and be sure the sugar dissolves. The syrup MUST BE COOL before adding to the alcohol mix as the heat evaporates the alcohol.