Homemade Orange Liqueur

Homemade orange liqueur or arancello is a simple and fragrant alcoholic preparation based on pure alcohol, oranges and sugar, ideal to serve as a digestive at the end of a meal. The recipe is similar to that of limoncello, a lemon liqueur, but made by replacing the lemon peel with that of orange; the important thing is to use untreated oranges for the preparation. The recipe is quick and easy, you just need a little patience for the resting time, but the final result will be nice. Here are all the steps to make it.

How to make orange liqueur

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Step 1

Pour the pure alcohol into a sterilized jar 1 and fill it with the peel of 2 oranges and half a lemon 2; just be careful not to cut the white part under the peel, which could make the liqueur bitter. Close the jar with the lid, shake it 3 and let it to marinate for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place.

Pour the pure alcohol into a sterilized jar 1 and fill it with the peel of 2 oranges and half a lemon 2; just be careful not to cut the white part under the peel, which could make the liqueur bitter. Close the jar with the lid, shake it 3 and let it to marinate for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place.

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Step 4

After the necessary time has elapsed, heat the water in a pot and dissolve the sugar in it 4. Let it cool for at least 2 hours. Filter the alcohol with a colander and pour it into the sugared water 5. Transfer the liqueur into a bottle and let it rest or drink it immediately very cold 6.

After the necessary time has elapsed, heat the water in a pot and dissolve the sugar in it 4. Let it cool for at least 2 hours. Filter the alcohol with a colander and pour it into the sugared water 5. Transfer the liqueur into a bottle and let it rest or drink it immediately very cold 6.

Tips for homemade orange liqueur

To cut the peel of oranges, preferably use ceramic knives or tools, which help to preserve all the active ingredients and benefits of the essential oils contained in the peel.

To get a more intense flavor, let the orange peels rest in the alcohol for at least a month, or until they have lost their color. Stir occasionally during the resting period.

In addition to being a digestive, you can use this orange liqueur to make a light aperitif or dilute it and use it as a syrup for cakes. Besides, it can also be a good gift idea for relatives and friends.

Also prepare the orange punch, an aromatic and delicious winter cocktail, to be served warm on cold winter evenings.

How to store homemade orange liqueur

After bottling it, we suggest you keep the orange liqueur for at least a week and up to a month, before consuming it, in order to obtain a more delicate aroma. Once opened, you can keep it tightly closed in the refrigerator for more than a week.