Papi's Choke Cherry Cheer

Directions

Step 1: Wash well and sterilize with scalding hot water a lrg. old fashioned glass milk jar with lid... let air dry

Step 2: Wash 5 cups of ripe (not over ripened) chokecherries and strain excess water off, pat chokecherries gently dry, and place carefully without bruising in bottom of glass milk jar

Step 3: Add 4 1/2 cups of "berry sugar" (ultra fine and quick dissovling, found in most grocery stores) over the berries

Step 4: Pour 750 ml (26 oz) of unflavored Smirnoff Vodka over the berries and sugar

Step 5: Place the jar with a tightened lid in a cool dark pantry or closet and let sit, turning every couple of days for a couple to three months... Attention: the longer you leave the cheer sit, the more kick it'll have! I'm starting mine here in September and leaving it brew until Christmas

Step 6: Strain carefully the jar full of liquid with cheeze cloth into a sterilized large glass pitcher with a good pouring spout, be careful to not let any of the chokecherries or settlement through or your cheer will be cloudy.

Step 7: Pour the clear cheer into wine bottle(s) using a funnel and cork 'em up. Keep in your wine rack, wine cellar, or pantry.

Step 8: Enjoy sum cheer with buds and kin :P