I have always enjoyed making things for Christmas, either to offer guests or maybe as presents, this year I have a number of liqueurs macerating in jars in the downstairs powder room, it’s cool and north facing.
This is one that really intrigued me, I found it on a website http://www.instructables.com and just had to try it.
![Vodka an Orange and some expresso coffee beans](http://www.mycrosspatch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1-IMG_5833.jpg)
It is a traditional European aperitif made using an orange, coffee beans, sugar, and grain alcohol (vodka can also be used if you can’t get grain alcohol)
![shake everyday till the sugar is dissolved](http://www.mycrosspatch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1-IMG_5834-210x300.jpg)
Wash your Orange first. Make 44 holes in the orange and poke a coffee bean in each opening. Then put the orange in a jar.(I’m using a jar I picked up in my local charity shop for 50p) Fill the jar with 4 cups of grain alcohol/vodka. Then add your sugar over the top of the alcohol. The original recipe called for 44 sugar cubes but 6 tablespoons of sugar is enough.
![22 days to go](http://www.mycrosspatch.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1-IMG_5849-223x300.jpg)
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. Do remember to make a note of the date you started, or make a note on your calendar of when it will be finished.
After 44 days, strain the liquid off the orange, decant into bottles, and enjoy chilled.