Vin dOrange

Directions

1. 1
   In a large glass jar, mix together the sugar, white wine, and vodka until the sugar dissolves.
2. 2
   Add the orange and lemon quarters.
3. 3
   Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the jar, then drop in the pod.
4. 4
   Cover, and let stand undisturbed for 1 month in a cool, dark place.
5. 5
   After 1 month, remove and discard the fruit; remove the vanilla pod (it can rinsed, dried, and used for another purpose; see page 14).
6. 6
   Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer lined with a double thickness of cheesecloth or a coffee filter, then funnel the vin dorange into clean bottles.
7. 7
   Cork tightly and refrigerate.
8. 8
   Serve over ice in small glasses with a twist of orange or lemon zest.
9. 9
   Vin dorange will keep for at least 6 months in the refrigerator.
10. 10
    Although vin dorange is usually made with sour oranges, if you can find only regular oranges, try this version, which is also quicker: In a large glass jar, mix together 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar; 1/2 cup (125 ml) vodka; one bottle (750 ml) rose wine; 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; and 1 cinnamon stick.
11. 11
    Add 2 navel oranges and 1 lemon, each quartered.
12. 12
    Cover and let stand in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks, shaking every few days.
13. 13
    Strain through cheesecloth and funnel into clean bottles.