It is now orange season around here and my trees are simply overflowing with delicious balls of sunshine!
Last season I dehydrated orange slices and made some orange powder, both are fantastic for baking and flavoring your tea! I also made some orange extract, which I just opened and strained a few days ago.
After I got over the “hurdle” of making my own Homemade Perpetual Vanilla Extract last year… I became obsessed with making my own extracts.
I did some research and decided to try making extracts from orange, lemon, cacao and almonds.
All you need is vodka and a jar. So easy!
I planned to leave them for only 3 months, but then decided to leave it for another 3 months. Then basically forgot about them. I don’t recommend doing that.
Now it has been almost a year (the date on the jar is Jan. 25th, 2012!) and thankfully extracts are pretty forgivable. I spied them after coming home from our USA furlough & decided to open up the orange extract to see if I can use it. I had the vision of using it in my shortbread cookies.
When I first opened the jar… a warm, sharp smell of orange tingled my nose. I had a little taste and the flavor was nice & smooth with a hint of bitterness.
Success!
I made some delicious almond orange shortbread cookies (recipe coming!) using the orange extract and it was simply delicious! The orange flavor stood out nicely without it being overpowering… just the way I like it.
- 2 large oranges (preferably organic)
- Vodka (higher proof is better)
- 1/4 cup filtered water (will extract more flavor)
- Pint-size glass jar
You can do it one of the two ways with the oranges… Peel them or zest them. I peeled them because it was easier, but some like to zest the oranges to avoid the white part because of its bitterness. Either way, you will get a wonderful orange flavor.
Put the orange peels or zest in a clean jar, add water, cover with vodka and seal it tight. Store in a dark, cool place and shake it whenever you think of it.
The extract will be ready in about 6 weeks. You can leave it longer for a slightly stronger flavor, but no longer than a year! ;o)
I am going to open up my other extracts and see how they turned out. Hopefully I will be sharing recipes with you in the near future!
Have you made your own extracts yet? What flavors have you made? If you haven’t, try making vanilla extract or orange extract and experience how easy it is!
This makes me want to do it, too. I’ve done so many, but never orange! Thank you!! If you would like to link-up on Wednesdays, I invite you over to Deep Roots at Home! you would be in good company 🙂 Blessings!
what is the vodka measurement for this recipe?
In that small jar pictured above… about 1 1/2 cups. You can do more or less, just make sure you have plenty of rinds in there.
how much ouantity of vodka should be added
until the PINT jar is full, after you’ve added the water (optional).
Why is it necessary to add water when making the orange extract? I make my own vanilla extract with high proof vodka and would like to try making others. Is it possible to make extracts without the vodka?
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
In place of vodka you can use apple vinegar or glycerin.
To store in dark and cool place, can I put it in refrigerator or just room temp is fine? As my home town have quite hot weather.
Thanks for sharing this recipe ^^
Room temp is fine 🙂
I make my own vanilla and decided to give this a try. I just finished making 3 jars so we will see how it turns out in 6 weeks.
Wonderful! I’m sure they will be great!
Did you ever post the almond orange shortbread cookie recipe? Thanks!
Yes, I did! I will put a link in the post. Thank you for asking! The recipe is over at My Humble Kitchen.
Can we do without vodka?
You can try glycerine, but it requires a different method. If you look at store bought flavoring for baking… most are made with alcohol.
I am enjoying your blog so very much. Thanks for all these awesome ideas.
Hello Kristarae! Wonderful! So glad you are enjoying it.
Did you get good results from the other extracts you tried? I am looking for ways to get raspberry and banana…
Hello Monica,
The almond and cacao were okay, but not very strong in flavor. I’m not sure how you would be able to make raspberry or banana as they have high amounts of sugar. Have you tried yet?
I would very much like to try to make orange extract and what is the difference btwn an extract and a liquer since both of them require vodka
Here’s an article I found that might help answer your question: https://www.cooksvanilla.com/blogs/news/114548934-liqueurs-and-extracts
I started my orange extract in sept and it has a very strong vodka smell , what can i do
That is normal. In time there will be a stronger orange smell. When use in baking you can taste more of the orange. Hope that helps!
Hello,
I just did it, but I used orange zest instead of peel. I am leaving it for 6 weeks.
I am excited because it’s impossible to find orange extract in my country. Even the Vanilla Extract took me at least a month to find it and it was unfortunately Imitation Vanilla Extract, I bought it anyway.
So thanks a lot for this recipe, if we can call it that, haha.
Love it
Nice recipe, can this be used to make extract of passion fruit peel ?
Thanks
Thank you! No, passion fruit peel can’t be used to make extract.
I have made vanilla extract and orange extract and both are wonderful! I am now making lemon and also lime. I am also making essential oil with orange. I really enjoy making all of this.