Ginger Liqueur

Directions

1. 1
   Peel the ginger, using the back of a spoon, and cut it into thin slices. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
2. 2
   Bring the ginger, vanilla, sugar, and water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the ginger is soft-about 20 minutes. Let the syrup cool. Do not strain yet.
3. 3
   Zest the orange and place the zest in a sealable glass container along with the syrup and brandy. Discard or eat the remainder of the orange.
4. 4
   Seal and shake, then let this mixture steep for one day.
5. 5
   After one day, remove the vanilla bean and let the mixture steep for an additional day.
6. 6
   Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer, then through a coffee filter into your bottle or jar for storage. Let it sit for one more day before using to let flavors mellow.