Homemade Orange Liqueur

This old-fashioned homemade orange liqueur is surprisingly simple to make using just three ingredients. Fresh oranges slowly infuse brandy with bright citrus flavor, creating a smooth, fragrant liqueur that's delicious for sipping, gifting, or adding to cocktails and desserts.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, Homemade

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword brandy liqueur, citrus liqueur recipe, DIY orange liqueur, homemade cordial, homemade gifts, homemade orange liqueur, infused brandy, orange infused spirits

Prep Time 10

Infusing Time 10

Total Time 10 10

Servings

Calories 161kcal

Equipment

Large glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Kitchen string
Skewer or fork
Wooden Spoon
Funnel (optional)
Glass bottle or jar for storage

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
3 cups brandy
2 fresh navel oranges

Instructions

Add the sugar to a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour the brandy over the sugar.
Wash and dry one orange. Using a clean skewer or fork, perforate the orange several times.
Tie kitchen string securely around the orange and suspend it from the lid so the orange hangs above the brandy without being submerged. Seal the jar.
Let infuse for 5 days.
Remove the first orange. Stir the brandy mixture until any remaining sugar dissolves.
Prepare the second orange the same way and suspend it in the jar for another 5 days.
Remove the orange and transfer the finished liqueur to a clean, airtight bottle or jar for storage.

Notes

Choose ripe, fragrant navel oranges for the best flavor.
Wash the oranges well before using since the peel provides much of the citrus aroma.
Store in a cool, dark place.
The flavor continues to mellow after bottling.
Makes a lovely homemade holiday gift.

Recipe Tips

Be sure the orange remains suspended above the liquid rather than sitting in it.
Stir well after removing the first orange to dissolve any remaining sugar.
Use a clean, sterilized bottle for the finished liqueur to maximize shelf life.

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark pantry or liquor cabinet. Properly stored, the liqueur will keep for several months. Refrigeration is optional but not necessary.

Nutrition