How to Make Homemade Grand Marnier

Make your own orange-flavored liquor.

Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle created the liqueur Grand Marnier in 1880. It is a triple sec made from a blend of cognacs, oranges and other ingredients and contains about 40 percent alcohol. You can drink Grand Marnier straight, mix it in a cocktail or use it for cooking.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 4 oranges
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 1/2 cups vodka
• 1 cup brandy
• 1 cup white, granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Glass container

1. Wash and peel the oranges, making sure to take off all of the white rind; otherwise, the liquor will come out bitter. Slice the orange into strips.

2. Put the orange slices, brandy, vodka and the vanilla bean in a glass container. Cover and steep (soak) for about three weeks.

3. After three weeks, strain and filter the mixture. A coffee filter works well for filtering. You only want liquid, so you can get rid of any big pieces.

4. Heat 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a pot on the stove until it boils. Stir with a wooden spoon to make sure the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

5. Add the cooled water and sugar to the orange mixture in a sterilized glass container. Age the liquor in your refrigerator for four weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Use firm oranges with smooth skins that do not have one speck of mold or any soft spots.

• Make sure your glass container is sterilized so that it will not grow mold in the refrigerator.

References

• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Sterilization of Empty Jars