Orange Infused Vodka

Orange infused vodka makes an easy and delicious upgrade to many of your favorite fruity cocktails. Say goodbye to store-bought flavored vodkas made with artificial flavors, and get ready to fall in love with this homemade infused vodka!

Everyone knows I’m a fanatic for alcohol infusions!

Some turn out to be the same color as the fruit they’re infused with, like these vodka infusions: cherry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, rhubarb, and apple. And some don’t, like this orange vodka, grapefruit vodka, and coconut rum.

But not to worry. They all taste delicious. And the cocktail you make with these infusions will likely call for orange juice, cranberry juice, or another ingredient that will add a splash of color.

Try it to see for yourself how much flavor infusions have to offer and how easy it is to make them, starting with this orange vodka.

Try out my orange martini with your infused vodka.

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Helpful tips

• One of the things I love about an infusion is YOU control the ingredients, so you know exactly what is in it.
• Whenever making cocktails or infusions, you need to wash the fresh fruit very well to get all the pesticides off. Here’s how – squirt some unscented, natural soap in your palm and rub your hands over the fruit. Then take a vegetable brush and brush the skin. Run cold water over the fruit, making sure to rinse off the soap.
• You can use any variety of oranges, but I prefer and recommend naval oranges.
• I use a good solid vodka like Ketel One or Absolut. But if you’re budget conscious, then use what you can afford.
• I bought good sized oranges, so my infusion took one naval orange plus one wheel slice from another. Buy 2 oranges just to be safe.
• Don’t stuff the jar with the oranges as you need room for the vodka.
• Although you will pour the vodka directly over the oranges, I was able to get 2 cups in the jar.
• You don’t need to refrigerate this infused vodka, it will keep perfectly in your bar until the very last drop.
• I like to use decorative bottles. Since I’m using only 2 cups of vodka, I use two little ones.

How to make orange infused vodka

Pre-step

Get a 32 ounce glass jar, wash it in warm soapy water, and dry thoroughly. Also get a sharp knife and cutting board.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – fresh oranges and vodka. (A)

Step two

Cut the orange in thin wheels and cut each wheel in half. (B)

Step three

Add the orange slices to the glass jar. As you can see, I didn’t stuff the oranges because you want some space for the vodka. (C)

Step four

Pour vodka over the oranges and in the jar. (D)

See the space for the vodka?

Step five

Screw the cover on the jar and give it a vigorous shake. (E) Set in a cool place, making sure it isn’t in direct sun, for 5 – 7 days.

Step six

Vigorously shake the vodka infusion 2 times a day. To remember easily, I shake it at the same time every day – breakfast time and dinner time.

Step seven

Get a large glass bowl, sieve, ultra fine cheesecloth, and a bottle for the infusion. If I don’t make a big batch, I use two small bottles because I like how they look. (F) Place the sieve in the glass bowl and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.

Step eight

Give the jar one last shake, take the lid off, and slowly pour the contents into the cheesecloth lined sieve. (G)

Step nine

Lift the sieve to let the liquid strain out. Also, tilt it until all the vodka has been strained through the cheesecloth. Discard the fruit, rinse the cheesecloth, let it dry, and put it in storage until the next infusion. (H)

Step ten

Pour the orange vodka into the bottle(s).

Let’s look at the vertical view.

I hope you enjoyed this orange infused vodka recipe. It has a lovely taste and enhances any orange and vodka cocktail. Stay tuned for my orange martini recipe.

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!