Orange Liqueur Recipe

Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Zest the Oranges

Using a zester or a vegetable peeler, remove the outer peel of the oranges, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. You should have about 1 cup of orange zest.

Combine Ingredients

In a large glass jar or container, combine the orange zest, 2 cups of vodka, and 1 cup of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

Let it Infuse

Seal the jar tightly and let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help the infusion process.

Prepare Simple Syrup

After 2 weeks, prepare a simple syrup by combining 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then let it cool.

Strain the Mixture

After the infusion period, strain the orange mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle to remove the zest.

Combine with Simple Syrup

Add the cooled simple syrup to the strained orange liqueur. Stir well to combine.

Bottle and Age

Transfer the liqueur to a clean bottle and seal it tightly. Allow it to age for an additional week before using for the best flavor.