*To make basic sugar syrup, combine 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir until all the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is clear. Cool before using. Makes 1 cup.

In a wide-mouth jar, pour the vodka over the oranges, lemon and cloves so that the vodka completely covers the fruit. Seal tightly and let sit in a cool, dark place for 10 days. Strain through a paper coffee filter and discard the solids. Add sugar syrup. With a funnel, pour the liqueur into gift bottles and close tightly with corks or screw-on caps. Let sit for 3 to 4 weeks before using.

liqueur to steep and mature.

orange liqueur on the shelf as gifts for any occasion. Reprinted in The