Cherry liqueur

1 1/2 pounds red cherries, with pits, no stems
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups vodka
1 cup brandy

Mix vodka, brandy and sugar in a large glass measure or medium mixing bowl. Stir well to dissolve. Cut each washed cherry slightly to open, leave in pits. Place cherries in 2 sterile, quart wide-mouth jars or 1 larger aging container. Pour liquid mixture over cherries, stir and cap with tight lids. For the first two weeks, stir mixture several times. Let age in a cool, dark place. Age 3 months, minimum, for best flavor. Strain off liqueuer through wire mesh strainer, discard cherries. Strain again if needed for clarity. Re-bottle as desired.