• In a large deep pan combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring to a boil.

  Continue gently boiling for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped open. Remove from the heat.
• Blend the cranberries with an immersion blender until smooth. Or place in a regular blender, being cautious as hot liquid will rise when blended.
• STRAIN #1 - Pour through a strainer into a bowl, pushing the mixture down with a rubber spatula. There will be cranberry skins left in the strainer. Discard the skins.
• STRAIN #2 - Pour the strained mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, or a strainer lined with cheesecloth, into a clean bowl. Again push the mixture down with a rubber spatula and discard the skins.

  *NOTE - don't skip this step because it's important to remove all of the skins
• Add the vodka and cinnamon to the strained mixture and whisk until well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a decanter or a jar with a lid and seal tightly.
• Refrigerate for about 2 weeks. Shake occasionally
• If desired, strain one more time before serving.

To make a Cranberry Orange Champagne Cocktail

• Run a sliced orange segment around the rim of a champagne or martini glass and then dip the rim in sugar to coat the rim.
• In a cocktail shaker add 2 tablespoons cranberry liqueur and crushed ice. Shake well.
• Pour shaken liqueur into a martini or champagne glass and top with champagne. Garnish with an orange slice or a few cranberries, if desired.

Variation: Cherry Cranberry Liqueur

• Substitute 2 cups cranberries and use 1 cup cherries and 1 cup cranberries
• Omit cinnamon