Elevate your cocktails and desserts with Homemade Orange Liqueur, a delicious and zesty infusion that captures the essence of fresh oranges.
This easy-to-make liqueur combines the bright flavors of orange peels with vodka and sugar, creating a sweet and aromatic beverage that’s perfect for sipping or mixing into your favorite drinks.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Homemade Orange Liqueur chilled in small glasses as a refreshing aperitif or use it to enhance cocktails like margaritas and cosmopolitans.
It also pairs wonderfully with desserts, such as drizzling over vanilla ice cream or incorporating into fruit salads for added flavor. For a delightful treat, mix it into sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer.
Tips and Notes
- Oranges: Use organic oranges to avoid pesticides on the peels. Wash them thoroughly before peeling to ensure they’re clean.
- Vodka: Choose a high-quality vodka for the best flavor. The smoother the vodka, the better the final product will be.
- Steeping Time: Allow the orange peels to steep in the vodka for at least 2 weeks for maximum flavor. The longer it sits, the more intense the orange flavor becomes.
- Simple Syrup: Make simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water over low heat. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup according to your taste preference.
- Storage: Store your Homemade Orange Liqueur in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. It will keep well for up to a year.
Enjoy the bright and flavorful experience of Homemade Orange Liqueur as a delightful addition to your culinary creations!
Homemade Orange Liqueur
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large bowl
- Glass bottle or jar with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 large oranges
- 2 cups 480ml water
- 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
- 2 cups 480ml vodka or grain alcohol
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - optional
Instructions
- Rinse the oranges and pat dry. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the oranges, being careful not to include too much of the white pith.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add in the orange peels and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled syrup and vodka (or grain alcohol) and stir well.
- If desired, add in the vanilla extract and mix again.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture into a glass bottle or jar with a lid.
- Seal the bottle and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 3 weeks, shaking the bottle occasionally.
- After 3 weeks, your homemade orange liqueur is ready to enjoy! Store it in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Notes
You can use any type of orange for this recipe, such as navel oranges or Valencia oranges.
Try adding in other flavors like cinnamon or cloves for a unique twist.
Use this liqueur to make delicious cocktails or add a splash to your coffee or hot chocolate for a flavorful kick.