In terms of frequency, orange liqueurs are among the top choices for creating flavourful cocktails. They can be employed in various drinks, foods and sweet treats. A wide variety of orange liqueurs can be found in liquor stores, but making your own at home is simple. While the store-bought type is limited in its ability to be tailored to the individual's preferences, the homemade variety has a broader range of possibilities. The recipe calls for a limited number of ingredients. Time is the only cost that must be borne. This boozy concoction can assist you in preparing various mouthwatering dishes, but only if you have the patience to do so.
Vodka infused with a mixture of fresh sweet orange and dried bitter orange peels yields a citrusy liqueur with a sweet-bitter profile reminiscent of triple sec or orange curaçao. Adding some brandy to the concoction will take on the colour and flavour of a darker orange liqueur.
Orange liqueur recipe
Ingredients
- 30 grams fresh orange peel (2 medium oranges)
- 2 1/2 cups vodka
- 2 tablespoons dried bitter orange peel
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Method
- Remove the skin from 2 navel oranges carefully by using a vegetable peeler
- Take a 1-quart glass container, and pour the vodka.
- One by one, add the desiccated bitter orange peel and the fresh orange peels
- Put on the cap, tighten it, and give the jar a thorough shake.
- Store this jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for at least 15 to 30 days. Keep shaking the container every couple of days.
- Once the infusion is done, it's time to make the syrup
- Pour water into a medium-sized saucepan and put it on the heat. Once it comes to a rolling boil, keep the heat on medium and blend the sugar.
- Keep stirring the sugar till it dissolves completely. Reduce to a simmer and let it sit for 5 minutes
- Turn off the heat and let the sugar syrup cool down thoroughly.
- Line a mesh strainer with cheesecloth and strain the vodka-infused orange peels
- After rinsing out the infusion jar, you can then use it to combine the orange liqueur by adding three-quarters of a cup of the simple syrup to the vodka that has been infused with orange
- Give it a good, long shake for at least 30 seconds.
- You can adjust the liqueur's sweetness by adding extra syrup to taste.
Store the orange liqueur in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid until ready to use.
Orange liqueur culinary uses
It can be used for many recipes, from boozy drinks, desserts, baked treats and even as marinades.
Cosmopolitan drink, Image Source: Unsplash
- Orange liqueur best served neat or on the rocks and enjoyed without water. The melting ice mows the sweetness and flavour, which dilutes the drink a bit.
- Mixologists frequently call for orange liqueur when creating cocktails. It is a versatile orange liqueur that may be substituted in any cocktail mix. Some of the best drinks to choose from are the margarita, Sidecar, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, and orange martini.
- Taste and aroma can be added to baked goods by using this citrus liqueur. The addition of orange liqueur to baked goods enhances their flavour considerably.
- Several desserts, such as Grand Marnier brownies, margarita cake, and chocolate orange truffles, call for orange liqueur.
- Use it in syrups and frostings for a more potent flavour.