Homemade orange liqueur flavoured with cinnamon

Another home made liqueur this time with oranges which have started being in season and they are full of aroma and taste. A great treat for all seasons and a great idea for a Xmas gift to friends and family

Recipe of Argyro Barbarigou,

a prominent Head Cook and food author,

Check out her site Argiro for more delicious recipes

Ingredients (for 1 large jar):

10 large oranges, unwaxed
700ml of vodka
250ml of cognac
1/2 cinnamon stick
600ml of water
600gr. of granulated sugar

Method:
Wash the oranges very well and using a sharp knife carefully peel off only the outside part of the skin (the orange colour part). The orange peel it has to be as thin as possible because if you leave any white part attached to the skin the liqueur will become bitter.

Put the orange peel in a large bowl and sprinkle with 2-3 tbsp of the sugar and squeeze with your hands to become slightly soft.

Transfer the peel in a sterilized jar and add in the cognac and the vodka. Seal the jar and leave to stand in a cool and dark place for 10-12 days without disturbing it.

In a large pot put the water with the rest of the sugar and leave to come to the boil, while stirring with a wooden spoon, on medium heat. Boil the syrup for 2-3 minutes. Take off the heat and leave the syrup to cool completely.

When ready, add it in the jar with the orange peel. Add the cinnamon stick in and seal the jar again. Leave in a dark and cool place to mature and to allow the flavours to blend for another 1-1 1/2  more week.

Strain the liqueur through a very fine sieve (or a coffee filter) in a large bowl. Divide the quantity equally into sterilised bottles and keep in the fridge.

Serve the liqueur chilled.