Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Lesley]

Somebody told me they'd been given a bottle of this and I'd never heard of it so I went to find a recipe - I think I'll make some for the Christmas Hampers.......

 

After reading the comments I think I'll add slightly more sugar and I'll make mine with brandy.

 

44 Orange Liqueur

 

Ingredients:

1 Large Orange

6 Tbsp Sugar

44 Coffee Beans

4 Cups Grain Alcohol/ Vodka (highest proof you can find)

 

You Will Need:

 

A mason jar, or other airtight container

Knife

 

Poke 44 holes in the orange and insert a coffee bean in each opening. This was more fun that I originally imagined. Then put the orange inside of the jar. Fill the jar with 4 cups of grain alcohol/vodka. If you are using a regular-sized mason jar, this should take you pretty close to the top.

 

 

 

Now add your sugar over the top of the alcohol. The original recipe called for 44 sugar cubes but I substituted 6 tablespoons of sugar. Because sugar cubes come in so many sizes, the amount of sugar can too easily get out of hand, so proceed with caution. I found 6 tbsps to be a good starting amount and more can be added later to taste

It is a good idea to put a tag on the jar somewhere so that you remember the date you created this concoction. You will need to store it for 44 days in a dark, cool place before removing the orange/coffeebeans. Be sure to shake it up every once in awhile to ensure the sugar dissolves.

After the 44 days are up, remove the orange and coffee beans, and strain the rest. Some may prefer a bit more water to tone it down. If you used vodka it should not be too powerful but it is really up to taste.

 

Put it in a new bottle, add slices of the orange with coffee beans and enjoy it chilled!

[craftyhunnypie]

I don't drink anymore, but it's a good recipe to make for my sister & brother in law to go in a hamper! Or my neighbours - they like a tipple!

Thanks Lesley!

Emma.x

[wannabe smallholder]

Sounds (hic) delicious (hic)!

[Lesley]

I don't drink either Emma, but at this time of year I always look like an alcoholic as I furtively leave the supermarket with bottles of Vodka for adding to blackberries or damsons or sloes

[ClaireG]

That sounds really interesting and as you say a great idea for hampers.