Mandarin Spice Infusion

1.In a large glass jar or container, combine the mandarins, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, vanilla bean, vodka and sugar.

2.Pour the water over the ingredients and stir to dissolve the sugar.

3.Cover the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.

4.After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into bottles, discarding the solids.

5.Seal the bottles tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

6.Serve chilled as a digestif or use in cocktails.