Homemade Grand Marnier Recipe

(Work in Progress)

A little while back, I started working on a recipe to make my own orange liqueur similar to grand marnier to use in my margarita recipe.  It is a 6 month proccess.  Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Orange Zest (Organic Seville Oranges)
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 2 cups Brandy or Cognac(Paul Masson VSOP Grande Amber Brandy/Cognac blend)
• 1/2 tsp Glycerine

Instructions

Step 1:  (7/31/12)

1. Zest enough oranges to get 1/3 cup of orange zest.
2. Place orange zest and sugar in a small bowl.
3. Muddle the zest and sugar until the sugar is absorbed into the zest.
4. Place in a glass jar.
5. Add the brandy or cognac and the glycerine.
6. Stir ingredients.
7. Store in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 months, shaking monthly.

Step 2:  (anticipated after 9/31/12)

1. Strain and filter the infusion.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Age 3 months before serving.

Notes:
Seville oranges are the traditional oranges to use in making this orange liqueur.  However, you can use any oranges.  The glycerine is optional and it's for texture.

Orange Juice Liqueur

(Work in Progress)

This is another liqueur that I am attempting to make to go into my Margarita Martini recipe.  The idea is to make a margarita-flavored martini using this Orange Juice Liqueur, the Lime Tequila that I'm developing, and limoncello.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (6-7 oranges) freshly squeezed Orange Juice (organic seville oranges)
• Zest of one Orange
• 3/4 cup Vodka (Skyy)
• 3/4 cup Brandy or Cognac (Paul Masson VSOP Grande Amber Brandy/Cognac blend)
• 1 cup Simple Syrup

Instructions:
Step 1:  (7/31/12)

1. Zest one orange.
2. Juice and strain enough oranges to get 1 1/2 cups of orange juice.
3. Combine the juice, zest, vodka, and brandy or cognac in a glass container.
4. Place in fridge for 4 weeks.

Step 2:  (Anticipated 8/28/12)

1. Strain and filter.
2. Add simple syrup.
3. Bottle and return to fridge for a minimum of 1 week before serving.