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.

My Cosmo Recipe

Here's my take on the Cosmopolitan:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Vodka (Ketel One)
• 1/2 oz Chambord
• 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1/4 oz Lime Juice (Rose's Lime Juice)

Instructions:

1. Shake with ice.
2. Serve in a martini glass.

The Perfect Margarita

Here is the recipe that I developed for great margarita on the rocks:

Ingredients:

• 2oz       High-quality Silver Tequila (1800)
• 1/2oz   Grand Marnier
• 1/2oz   Triple Sec
• 1oz       Lime Juice (Rose’s sweetened lime juice)
• 1oz       Orange Juice
• 4oz       Sour Mix

Instructions:

• Shake ingredients together and pour over ice. 
• Serve in a salted margarita glass or highball glass.

Notes:

I use the ½ Grand Marnier and ½ Triple Sec mostly because Grand Marnier is so expensive and the small bottle runs out too quickly.  You can just use 1oz Grand Marnier and it tastes about the same. 

To make this for a group, I have a large Rubbermaid jugthat I pour the ingredients into and then just shake up before serving.  I just change the ounces to cups.  Also, if I make a large amount, I’ll add a few pinches of salt directly into the margarita.