Homemade Liqueurs are one of the easiest and most cost effective ways of extending your cocktail supplies.  Most Liqueurs are built from a base of Vodka or Whiskey and all they require is flavouring and patience.
Amaretto, is an Italian almond flavoured liqueur.  It is delicious over ice and makes a versatile cocktail base.  Over Winter, I like to add it to Hot Chocolate, but I'll show you that later!
The secret to a good liqueur is in using a quality base.  You want a strong Vodka preferably around 30% alcohol for this version.  You will be cutting the alcohol content in the finished product, so the higher the better.

Homemade Amaretto
Ingredients 2 cups Vodka1 cup Water3/4 cup white sugar1/2 cup brown sugar2 Vanilla Beans2 tbsp Almond Extract
MethodAdd white and brown sugar to the TM bowl with 1 cup Water.Heat for 8 minutes, speed 3, 98 degrees.Allow to cool and pour into a sealable glass bottle.Add 2 cups Vodka, Vanilla beans sliced lengthways and almond extract.
And now for the hard part!  Allow to sit for at least 1 week in a dark cupboard. It will help set the flavours.  In fact leave it longer if you have good self control, it's worth the wait. And to reward you for your patience, I will have a recipe for you using your very own Homemade Amaretto.
A note about extracts:You can pick up a variety of natural extracts and essences from the supermarket.  If you are within easy reach of an ALDI Store, they have extracts on sal...