Raspberry Liqueur

1 pt Fresh raspberries

2 1/2 c Vodka

1 Vanilla bean

1/4 t Whole allspice

1/2 c Sugar syrup (see recipe)

Select full coloured and plumb berries, avoiding stained baskets (sign of overripe or softened and decayed berries). Season is May to July. DO NOT wash until ready to use as water causes mold to form. Rinse berries and place in a mixing bowl, lightly crushing to release flavor. Add vodka, vanilla bean, and allspice. Stir and store in bottle in cool dark place for 3 weeks. Strain mixture through dampened cleesecoth squeezing as much juice as possible. Pour back in bottle adding sugar syrup to taste (1/3 to 1/2 cup per pint) and age another 3-5 weeks. Yield: 1 pint plus Container: Wide mouth quart jar