Vin dOrange

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.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.