Fantastic idea for a wee festive cocktail and not only. Any occasion will compliment your small input to make this recipe live. These cherries are delicious spooned over vanilla ice cream or served with Christmas pudding. The syrup also makes a great cocktail.

1. Wash and drain cherries, if you prefer remove the pips. (This is optional, the French leave pips in even when baking cherries in their beautiful dessert clafoutis). Wash 2 x 450ml capacity jars (or any number of jars equaling 900ml capacity) and their lids. Place into a just-warm oven to dry and sterilise.

2. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat, without boiling, until sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil. Add vanilla bean and cinnamon quill and simmer for 5 min. Remove from heat and stir in vodka.

3. Spoon cherries into jars, (if you like pop half of the vanilla bean into each one) and cover with vodka and sugar syrup. Seal tightly with a lid and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Enjoy!