Apricot Liquor

Description
In Romanian: Lichior de caise

Ingredients

 * 1 qt / 1 l water
 * 1 lb / 500 g sugar
 * ½ qt / 0,5 l vodka
 * ¼ vanilla stick
 * one teaspoon caramelized sugar essence (optional)

Essence

 * 20 ripe apricots
 * vodka to cover them

Directions

 * 1) Put the pitted apricots in a glass jar, pour vodka to cover, and cover the jar tightly with cellophane.
 * 2) Keep this in the sun for two weeks.
 * 3) This will be the essence.
 * 4) Make a syrup out of the sugar and water.
 * 5) When ready, add half of the strained essence and remove from heat.
 * 6) Let cool.
 * 7) Then add the other half of the strained essence, ½ qt / 0,5 l vodka and the caramelized sugar essence. It is better to filter this through special filter paper.
 * 8) Bottle the drink and keep in a cool place.