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.
We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.
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 to know your thoughts 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!
Orange Infused Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 large naval orange (washed)
- 2 cups vodka (approximately – you will pour the vodka in the jar with the orange)
Instructions
- Wash the jar with warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Cut the oranges in thin wheels and then cut the wheel in half.
- Add the sliced orange slices in the jar. Don't stuff it as you need room for the vodka.1 large naval orange
- Pour the vodka into the jar to cover the oranges.2 cups vodka
- Screw the cover on the jar and vigorously shake it. Store in a cool place like a pantry. Make sure it is out of direct sunlight. I infuse my vodka on the kitchen counter.
- Vigorously shake the jar two times a day. Once at breakfast time and the other at dinner time. Do this for 5 – 7 days.
- When the orange vodka is done, line a sieve with cheesecloth and place in a large glass bowl.
- Pour the contents of the jar into the sieve. Lift it and tilt it to let all the vodka drain off the fruit.
- Pour into the glass container you're going to store it in. I use decorative bottles.
- Make a cocktail with the vodka.
- Enjoy
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
This is so refreshing. Love the combination. I have to try this in a martini.
Thanks so much Veena!
Okay I love the orange infusion!!! I’ve never made a fruit infused vodka before. Thanks for such a great recipe!
You’re welcome, Nic! I’m addicted to infusions now. I want to make them all the time.
infused alcohols and oils seem intimidating, but seriously this can’t be easier! this is such a flavorful addition to lots of drinks
Thanks so much Rebecca. It is super easy.
I’ve never made flavoured vodka before, but it seems so straight-forward. This orange vodka would be delicious for summertime sipping!
Thanks, Kacie. And yes, you are right. And it’s so great in any orange based cocktail.
Love the orange infusion. Sounds interesting. Can’t wait to try!
Thanks so much! I appreciate your comment.
This sounds refreshing! Perfect for spring and summer weather. Excited to give this recipe a try! Thanks for the share!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it when you try it.
This is THE PERFECT drink to make this summer. I mean… it is orange flavor AND it is vodka… what else to wish for?
Thanks Dionne. 🙂 I appreciate it.
Thanks for introducing me to the world of infusions! We have made it 4 days ago and I simply cannot wait to taste the final result 🙂
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that, Ieva!
I made this vodka last weekend and oh my goodness is it delicious! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
You’re welcome, Tayler! I appreciate your comment.
Love the sweetness and flavor the orange adds to the vodka
Thanks, Michelle! I appreciate it!