How to Make Orange Vodka and Orangecello

Like it’s lemon version, Orangecello is easy to make. All you need is a bottle of vodka, a couple oranges to make orange vodka, and then add the simple syrup.

Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking… Here she goes again. More infused booze. The funny thing is that I’m not even a big drinker! But my friends and family enjoy cocktails and I find myself making infused booze to giveaway during the holidays.

After visiting an orange grove and stocking up on a ton of fresh Valencia oranges, I decided to take a break from the sweets like upside down orange cake and orange jam. Some oranges were selected for infusing vodka.

Ingredients you need

• Oranges: Valencia oranges have less pith than naval oranges. So if you want to add sliced oranges to your vodka, you want less pith. Pith is what gives that bitter taste. For skin only, you can use any variety of orange peel for infusing.
• Vodka: Use your favorite vodka for the base. And yes, you can use this technique to infuse gin, rum or tequila.
• Sugar: This is optional. If you just want to make orange vodka, skip the sugar and simple syrup making. If you want to make a liqueur like Orangecello, then you will need sugar.

Step-by-step directions

1. Prep the oranges. Wash oranges with hot water and using a vegetable brush scrub oranges to remove residue and wax. Pat them dry. Using a potato peeler or zester, take all or the orange rinds off the oranges so there is no white pith on the rind. Only remove the orange, otherwise orangecello will be bitter.
2. Add to alcohol. Place rinds in a large container and pour vodka or everclear over it.Cover the container and let it sit for at least 10 days and up to 30 in a cool dark place. No need to stir during that time.

You can also use orange slices. If doing this, cut thin slices and place them in a large mason jar and cover with vodka. I tried both. Which version tasted better? Quite surprisingly, the straight up orange peel version worked better. Try both versions yourself and see which you prefer.

3. Strain. Strain the peels from the alcohol and discard the peels.
4. Make simple syrup. To make orangecello, make the simple syrup. Combine water and sugar in a large saucepan and cook about 15 minutes. Let it cool then stir into the infused vodka. Store in the freezer until ready to serve.

Recipe tips and FAQs

So now you are thinking, I have a bottle of orange vodka, now what? Well, you can make yourself an orange martini by adding a splash of vermouth. You can enjoy it straight up in shots or mix in  some simple syrup to make orangecello. 

Basically, you can use this orange vodka in any cocktails that require vodka. Salut and enjoy!

If you like infusing alcohol with fruit, my strawberry vodka and pomegranate vodka.

Orange Vodka for Orangecello

Laura Bashar | Family Spice

Like it's lemon version, Orangecello is easy to make. All you need is a bottle of vodka, a couple oranges to make orange vodka, and then add the simple syrup.

4.34 from 12 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Additional Time 14 days d

Total Time 14 days d 25 minutes mins

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 11

Calories 87 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 large oranges
• 1 L vodka or everclear alcohol *
• 2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 cup water

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Instructions

 

• Wash oranges with hot water and using a vegetable brush scrub oranges to remove residue and wax. Pat them dry.
• Using a potato peeler or zester, take all or the orange rinds off the oranges so there is no white pith on the rind. Only remove the orange, otherwise orangecello will be bitter.
• Place rinds in a large container and pour everclear* over it.
• Cover the container and let it sit for at least 10 days and up to 30 in a cool dark place. No need to stir during that time.
• Strain the peels from the alcohol and discard the peels.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat stir together sugar and water.
• Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and cool.
• Pour sugar mixture to the alcohol.
• Store in the freezer until ready to serve.

Notes

You can use any variety of oranges, I personally like the Valencia orange. Just be sure to cut the orange peel and leave the pith behind because it causes bitterness.

TO STORE: Once the peels have been removed, the orange vodka can be stored in a bottle in your bar indefinitely. If you made orangecello with the simple syrup, store in the refrigerator for a month or two.

TO FREEZE: You can also keep your bottle of orangecello in the freezer for up to one year, possibly longer. Because it is alcohol, it will not turn to ice.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR: If your liqueur tastes funny or changes color, it has gone bad and should be discarded.

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz shotCalories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 1mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 10.5g

Keyword orange flavored vodka, orange infused vodka, orange vodka, orange vodka recipe, orangecello, vodka and orange

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Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

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