In Praise of Fraise

Makes about 1 quart infused vodka

2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced, or 1½ pounds frozen strawberries, thawed 1 1 ⁄2 cups simple syrup

1 fifth (750 milliliters, or 3¼ cups) vodka (80-100 proof )

1. In a half-gallon jar, muddle the strawberries and simple syrup with a wooden spoon. Stir in the vodka. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of strawberries, about 7 days.

2. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

3. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within 1 year.