Homemade Florida Orange Liqueur

While most of us are content to get our dose of oranges from a waxed cardboard container that we pick up at the grocery, there are others who prefer a more hands on approach. Actually there are two distinct groups here but they both share a love of oranges and also have some time on their hands.

That’s right, I’m talking about the people who love to juice their own oranges and the people who just get juiced on their own oranges. Now the orange squeezers we all know about but who is this second group? Well they are the people who like the taste of orange liqueurs like Triple Sec, Cointreau and Grand Marnier. Orange liqueurs are great dessert toppings as well as great flavoring in many foods. Oh and of course you can just drink it straight or on the rocks.

This group however, likes to do things themselves so they make their own orange booze and it really isn’t all that difficult.

To make your own orange liqueur you’re going to need three good sized oranges, sugar, a bottle of Everclear or high proof vodka, an air tight jar or bottle and a zester.

Before you start this little adventure, wash the oranges thoroughly. You may want to get a spray bottle of veggie wash at the store to ensure you get rid of all the dirt, way and insecticide. You’re going to use the peels so whatever is on them is going to end up in your finished product.

Okay now you’re ready to zest the peels. If you have a zester great. If not a cheese grater will work just make sure you don’t get the white part of the peel in the mix. That white stuff is bitter. You will not be using the flesh of the orange so slice it up and eat it as a treat while you move on to step two.

Pour the booze into your airtight jar. Toss in the zest and seal the jar.

Wait 30 days.

After a month or so, remove the zest by pouring the concoction through a colander and into a bowl. Mix a half cup of sugar with a half cup of water and stir until it dissolves. Toss the sugar water into the booze. You can then pour this delightful mixture into smaller bottles for easier storage. If you are a Grolsh beer drinker, those bottles with the re-sealable cork caps are ideal.

Use your home made orange liqueur in any recipe that calls for Triple Sec or one of the others. Or you can just pour a glass and sip it cold.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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