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.

Why this recipe is so awesome

One of the simplest ways to adding unique flavors into your cocktails is to use fruit infused vodka. You don’t have to buy all the different flavors, either. If you find yourself with a bumper crop of fruit, in my case oranges, then you really should try infused vodka.

Valencia oranges are thin-skinned and full of juice versus the naval orange counterparts. I experimented with two versions of my orange infused vodka. The first infused vodka with just the orange peel and the second infused vodka made with orange slices.

Then I stuck them in the dark cabinet and kinda forgot about them.

The hubby wanted straight up orange infused vodka, so we didn’t add the sugar syrup, as you would to make Limoncello or Orangecello. We wanted to make an orange flavored vodka.

Which version tasted better? Quite surprisingly, the straight up orange peel version worked better. Try both versions yourself.

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. 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. 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.

3. Strain the peels from the alcohol and discard the peels.

4. You can also use orange slices. If doing this, cut thin slices and place them in a large mason jar and cover with vodka.

5. 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!

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Yield: 1-liter

Orange Vodka for Orangecello

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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.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 14 days

Total Time 14 days 25 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Wash oranges with hot water and using a vegetable brush scrub oranges to remove residue and wax. Pat them dry.
2. 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.
3. Place rinds in a large container and pour everclear* over it.
4. 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.
5. Strain the peels from the alcohol and discard the peels.
6. In a large saucepan over medium heat stir together sugar and water.
7. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and cool.
8. Pour sugar mixture to the alcohol.
9. 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.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

48

Serving Size:

2 oz shot
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 87Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0.6gSugar: 10.5gProtein: 0.2g

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