If you’ve ever strolled down the cordial aisle of your local, you’ve probably seen a variety of orange liqueurs. This is one of those spirits that’s a must-have in a home bar, whether you enjoy it straight as a nightcap or in cocktails ranging from margaritas to sidecars. Read on for a brief description of orange liqueurs, and instructions for making your very own homemade orange liqueur.
Orange Liqueur Types
There are basically two families of orange liqueur. Curaçao, which was historically brandy-based but has shifted over time, and triple sec, which is much more neutral and slightly less sweet. I prefer a true curaçao (not blue curaçao) for the vast majority of my drinks, as the brandy base adds an incredible layer of depth to the tasting experience. Now, I could go out and buy curaçao at my local, but have you seen the PRICE on that stuff? It’s usually just an orange-heavy sweetener in most cocktails. However, making your own at home is super easy, and for the same price you can get just about double the volume.
How To Make Homemade Orange Liqueur
To start, you’re going to need a large mason jar or other sealable container. What we’re essentially doing is grabbing a mid-level aged brandy (usually VSOP, even bottom shelf, is fine), and we’re going to just soak all of our ingredients in it for about a week. So fill up your container, I use a large mason jar, and probably threw about 20-24oz of brandy in there. The amount doesn’t REALLY matter, as long as it’s in the ballpark. Next, you’re going to throw all your soakables in. I used the peel from 4 large navel oranges (just the outside peel, do NOT throw the pith in there unless you want it to turn out bitter). The fresh peel makes for a nice bright citrusy flavor. Next goes the dried orange peel, which adds some orangey depth. Afterwards, throw in the spices and vanilla, which will help round out the flavor and give your homemade orange liqueur some pizzazz. You’re going to soak it for a week, shaking it around once a day, strain it through cheese cloth/fine strainer, and then measure your volume and add an equivalent volume of simple syrup.
How To Customize Your Orange Liqueur
Now this recipe is a sure winner for me. It’s got orange, depth, spice, everything I appreciate in a drinking experience. Because of the spice, it works incredibly in seasonal or holiday cocktails for adding the characteristic spice flavor, as well as being equally at home in summertime cocktails. However, everyone has different tastes. The beauty of making your own orange liqueur is that you can customize it however you want. Don’t like the spices? Don’t put them in. You’ll still have a solid orange liqueur!
Orange Liqueur Recipe
- 24oz mid-shelf aged brandy (I use Ararat Armenian 5-year brandy because it’s what my local stocks)
- 4 large navel orange peels
- 1 tablespoon of dried orange peel (I just bought some off amazon)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 8 whole cloves
- 8 allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Add all ingredients to mason jar, put top on, shake it around. Let it soak for a week, shaking it once or twice a day. Strain through cheese cloth and squeeze all the liquid out. Add an equal amount of simple syrup and stir. Store in an old liquor bottle (I just use the brandy bottle I emptied for the recipe plus an extra).
What Can I Make With This Stuff?
- Santa’s Sidecar – a seasonal riff on the classic sidecar, featuring lemon, apple, and cinnamon.
- Christmas Margarita – a seasonal riff on the classic margarita, featuring cranberry, apple and cinnamon.
- Christmas Tequila Cocktail – a creamy spiced cranberry tequila cocktail!
- Cinnamon Cranberry Gin Sour – a delicious holiday sour
- Christmas Mai Tai – a very tiki holiday cocktail