12.11.2011

Cranberry-Orange Vodka Liqueur

Last year our foodie friend Joanne taught us how to make cranberry vodka liqueur. We made it, loved it, and gave it as gifts for our Christmas Eve cocktail party. This year, we took her recipe and added a few enhancing flavors via mandarin orange peels and a vanilla bean. The result was deliciously smooth, sweet and slightly citrusy. We suggest trying it chilled, on the rocks, or with a splash of mandarin sparkling water. Let us know how you like it! Salute!




Cranberry-Orange Vodka Liqueur
(makes about 1/2 gallon)

Ingredients:
2 12-ounce packages fresh cranberries
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons water
peels from 6 mandarin oranges (careful to avoid the bitter white pith)
1 whole vanilla bean
1.5 liters plain vodka

In a large saucepan, heat the cranberries, sugar and water over medium-high heat. Stirring often, heat until the mixture becomes syrupy and the cranberries begin to burst open (10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and add the orange peels, vanilla bean and vodka. Give it a good stir and allow to cool completely. Pour into an airtight container and allow to sit in a dark, cool place for three days, gently shaking it once a day. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and pour into several airtight jars or decorative bottles (if gift-giving) or into one large airtight jar or bottle (if keeping all to yourself)  (which is okay too).

Start with cranberries and sugar


Add a few tablespoons of water


Heat until cranberries start to pop


Remove from heat and add mandarin orange peels and vanilla bean


Pour in vodka and let sit for a few days


Let the holidays begin!


9 comments:

Kim - Liv Life said...

MMM!!! WOw!! I love it!!!! A gallon, huh?? Guess it would be diligent to share.... ;)

Kiri W. said...

Oh my, I never thought to make my own liqueur, but how tempting! This looks delicious, and like the perfect holiday treat :)

Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. said...

Sounds delicious!! And would make a good gift too!

jck said...

Nice upgrade ;-)
Love the pics!

grubarazzi said...

Yesssssssss!!!!!!

Jen at The Three Little Piglets said...

Now that's my kind of cocktail party! What a fabulous gift!

Happy When Not Hungry said...

Sounds delicious! What a great gift idea :-)

Susan Lindquist said...

I love it! I am sooo going to make this for holiday treats and give-aways! So cool! love the little bottles too!

Dreams of cakes said...

This is going to be perfect for Christmas!!