Homemade Triple Sec

I made this the other day, and it turned out great!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. Vodka
• 12 oz. Everclear
• 3 large Navel Oranges
• 1 drained 15 oz. can of Mandarin Orange Slices
• 5 cups Sugar
• Dash of Orange Blossom Water
• 3 cups Water

Instructions:
Step 1:

1. Heat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Slice the navel oranges into wheels and arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Bake navel oranges 2 hours, flipping after 1 hour (should be gummy but not dry).
4. While oranges are baking, combine drained mandarin orange slices with vodka in a sealed jar.
5. Combine the baked navel oranges with the everclear in a seperate jar.
6. Allow to infuse for 24 hours.

Step 2:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a sauce pan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
2. Allow to cool.
3. Strain the infused vodka and everclear into a large glass jar.
4. Add the sugar water and a dash of orange blossom water.
5. Allow to rest for 24 hours.

Step 3:

1. Filter the infusion and bottle.
2. Store in fridge.

Old Fashioned Recipe

Here's a recipe for another classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned:

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 2 dashes Augostura Bitters
• 1 Sugar Cube
• 1 splash Water
• Orange Slice
• Maraschino Cherry

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube with the water and bitters in the bottom of an old fashioned glass until the sugar dissolves.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add whiskey and stir.
4. Garnish with orange slice and cherry.

Notes:

I prefer my Old Fashioned with bourbon, typically Makers Mark.

(Photo from IBA)

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.

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.