Blueberry Liqueur

Place berries in aging container and mash with either the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher. Add the vodka or the grain alcohol-water mixture, stirring to combine. Cover container and let stand at room temperature or cooler for 2 weeks. Stir every few days. If the weather is very warm, berry mixture may be put in the refrigerator. After initial aging, strain mixture over a large bowl through a colander or wire mesh strainer. Discard fruit residue and clean all sediment out of the aging container. Bring 1 cup water to a boil and pour over sugar and lemon peel. Stir well to completely dissolve sugar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove lemon peel and pour cooled sugar-water mixture into aging container. Add strained blueberry liquid and stir to combine. Cap and let age 1 1/2 months more. After second aging, strain mixture again through fine cloth. Re- strain as needed until clarity is reached. Bottle and cap as desired. May be used now for cooking but should age at least one more month for drinking purposes. Variation: Spiced Blueberry Liqueur is easily made by adding 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves and 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander to the berries in this recipe.