Tangy And Tantalizing: How To Make Tangerine Liqueur At Home
Cesar Chien
Mandarine Napoleon 0.7l, tangerine liqueur with old cognac from www.worldwidespirits.de
Introduction
If you're looking for a tangy and refreshing liqueur to enjoy on a hot summer day or to add a splash of citrus to your cocktails, tangerine liqueur is the perfect choice. This zesty and tantalizing liqueur is easy to make at home, and it only requires a few simple ingredients. In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making tangerine liqueur, from selecting the right tangerines to bottling the finished product.
Ingredients
To make tangerine liqueur, you'll need the following ingredients:
10-12 tangerines
1 liter of vodka
1/2 cup of sugar
1 vanilla bean (optional)
Tangerines
When selecting tangerines for your liqueur, look for fruit that is ripe, juicy, and fragrant. The skin should be smooth and firm, with no soft spots or blemishes. You can use any variety of tangerines, such as Clementines, Satsumas, or Honey Tangerines.
Vodka
Vodka is the base spirit for tangerine liqueur, and it's important to choose a high-quality brand. Look for a vodka that is smooth and clean-tasting, with no harsh aftertaste.
Sugar
Sugar is used to sweeten the liqueur and balance out the tartness of the tangerines. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but we recommend starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if needed.
Vanilla Bean
A vanilla bean is an optional ingredient that adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the liqueur. If you choose to use a vanilla bean, split it in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
Instructions
Making tangerine liqueur is a simple and straightforward process that involves infusing vodka with tangerine peels and sugar. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Peel the Tangerines
Wash the tangerines and use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of skin. Be careful not to include any of the bitter white pith, as this will make the liqueur taste bitter.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Place the tangerine peels, vodka, sugar, and vanilla bean (if using) in a large glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly and shake well to combine.
Step 3: Infuse the Liqueur
Store the jar or bottle in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking it every few days to mix the ingredients. The longer you let it infuse, the stronger the tangerine flavor will be.
Step 4: Strain and Bottle
After 2 weeks (or longer, if desired), strain the liqueur through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the tangerine peels and vanilla bean. Transfer the liqueur to a clean glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your tangerine liqueur is now ready to enjoy! Serve it over ice, mix it into cocktails, or use it to add a burst of citrus flavor to desserts and baked goods.
Nutrition
While tangerine liqueur is a delicious treat, it's important to enjoy it in moderation due to its high sugar and alcohol content. Here's a breakdown of the approximate nutrition facts for one serving (1 oz) of tangerine liqueur:
Calories: 70
Carbohydrates: 7g
Sugar: 7g
Alcohol: 10g
Remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Conclusion
Making tangerine liqueur at home is a fun and rewarding project that yields a delicious and versatile spirit. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a tangy and tantalizing liqueur that will impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be? Cheers!