Sandra’s BlogTalk Recipe Entry for Tuesday, March 3, 2009 : Homemade Grand Marnier

Homemade Grand Marnier (Orange Liqueur)

10 oranges
1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
3 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the oranges in long strips (reserve the oranges for another use). Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the orange peels; discard the pith. Place the orange peels in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Steep the orange peels in the vodka for 4 days, or up to 1 week at room temperature.

Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Strain the orange liqueur through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the orange liqueur to wine bottles (reuse the Vodka bottle!). Seal the bottles and store in a cool dry place.

This will keep for months, and I usually only make it once a year, or when it runs out.