Orange Vanilla Liqueur

My friends know that I am typically a wine drinker.  However, every year I try out a couple of different cocktails and then decide what my “drink of summer” will be for that season.  In the past few years, I have chosen the Paloma, Limoncello and soda, Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic, sangria and the Aperol spritz. 

After making a batch of homemade limoncello, I wanted to try out some different flavors with this same method.  Enter the new drink of summer – Boozy Vanilla Orange soda!  This also makes a great homemade gift. 

You Will Need:

• 5 oranges
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups vodka

Instructions:

• Before starting the recipe, the oranges need to be cleaned of any wax or residue that may be on them.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil, turn off the heat and put the oranges in.  Let sit for 5 minutes, then scrub them with a vegetable brush and rinse. 
• Thinly peel skin off the oranges, avoid the white pith.  Place the peels in a large jar and pour in vodka.  Let sit for at least 3 to 5 days, shaking the jar every day. 

• Juice the peeled oranges.  Boil the water, sugar and orange juice.  Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally, it should reduce by about half.  Strain and let cool.  Add the vanilla extract to the cooled mixture.  Refrigerate until vodka is infused, 3-5 days.

• When the vodka is done infusing, strain out the peels and discard.  Mix the vodka with the orange syrup. 

• This can be enjoyed just like limoncello.  It is also delicious drizzled over vanilla ice cream or pound cake, used to make creamsicle cocktails, or mixed with seltzer.