The warming, citrussy notes of this fabulous homemade orange marmalade vodka liqueur mask the simplest of recipes. Serve it straight up, over ice or in a refreshing cocktail.
Marmalade vodka liqueur
I grew up with the tradition of harvesting sloes and damsons to make the traditional countryside liqueurs. For me, they are a lovely marker of the turning of the seasons and an essential part of the Christmas holidays too.
See also
- Easy toffee vodka, impossible to resist
- Fruity and fabulous and perfect for the holidays, try making Christmas vodka
When I discovered (quite some years ago now!) that you can make equally lovely drinks using your preserves, it opened up a whole new world of flavours and I really do love it.
You can adjust the flavours just the way you want them and use your own favourite flavours to create just the right drink for you.
Not only that, but I think there’s a real sense of satisfaction in producing a crystal-clear homemade liqueur that is every bit as elegant and I think more charming than shop bought versions.
I used homemade marmalade for my marmalade vodka, but you can use shop bought, if that’s what you have available.
I paired it with a little Aperol (you can also use Campari or red vermouth) for extra flavour and colour, and cardamom for a note of earthy spice, though you can leave this out or use a different flavouring.
This recipe is really very quick as infused drinks go, so you only really need a week to infuse your vodka.
Why make orange marmalade vodka
- Quick and easy
- So much cheaper tan the commercial offerings.
- An elegant liqueur, just the way you like it
- Impress your guests with homemade!
- Makes a lovely gift
Marmalade vodka ingredients
- Vodka – a smooth but uncomplicated vodka is fine
- Marmalade – classic Seville orange marmalade is best. If you are going to buy it, look for a nice dark marmalade rather than the delicate golden shred type.
- Aperol – an Italian ‘amaro’ aperitif that is fairly light on alcohol compared to its richer cousin Campari, it is flavoured with rhubarb and various floral ingredients. You can of course use Campari or use other bitters type drinks instead, or even your favourite red vermouth.
- Spices (optional) – I used a couple of cardamom pods. You could also use a bay leaf, a tiny piece of cinnamon stick or perhaps even a little slice of fresh ginger. Don’t get carried away, though. Stick to one addition.
How to make marmalade vodka – step by step
Before you start, read my step-by-step instructions, with photos, hints and tips so you can make this orange marmalade vodka liqueur recipe perfectly every time.
Scroll down for the recipe card with quantities and more tips at the bottom of the page.
Step One – Put the marmalade in a wide necked bottle or jar. Pour the vodka over the top. and add the cardamon.
Step Two – close the lid and stir or swirl to start the marmalade dissolving. I tend not to shake as the seal is not always liquid-proof under that kind of stress!
Add a double shot of Aperol or your preferred aperitif.
Seal the jar, swirl again, and leave in a cool dark place for one week.
Step Three – The orange marmalade vodka liqueur will be a deep red gold. The marmalade will have dissolved leaving pieces of peel, but the liquid will be quite cloudy.
Step Four – To make a crystal clear marmalade liqueur, you now need to filter it through a coffee filter, or a funnel lined with a folded square of kitchen paper.
This will take several hours, so I tend to put cling film over the top of the filter and leave it overnight.
Finally, using a jug and a funnel, transfer your homemade marmalade vodka to storage bottles. If you want to make this as a gift, choose a pretty bottle and add an attractive label.
For best results, let it stand in the bottle for a couple of weeks before opening for the flavours to meld, I find it is much smoother after a rest.
Serving suggestion
Serve this homemade orange marmalade vodka liqueur neat, over ice or in your favourite cocktails.
Try using it to give a delicious citrus twist to a martini, or add a shot to a rich mug of hot chocolate.
Variations
- Vary the spice in this marmalade vodka recipe or try adding a favourite herb such as thyme for the original infusion.
- For a sparkly celebration drink, add a few flakes of culinary gold leaf to your marmalade vodka.
- If you are using a red vermouth or Aperol, a few drops of angostura bitters or an orange bitter would be delicious.
Storage
As with all liqueurs, this orange marmalade vodka is best stored in a cool dark cupboard. I find it is best left for two or three weeks after bottling and then used within the year. It won’t go off, but the flavours will be at their brightest and best in the first 12 months.
Hints and tips
- Use a large, wide-necked jar or bottle. You need to be able to get the marmalade in and out again.
- I find a kitchen funnel is essential for avoiding waste and mess in the kitchen and filling bottles with homemade drinks is one of those occasions when I am really glad of mine.
FAQS
Strictly speaking, you don’t have to but it does look so much prettier.
Throw them away. There’s no flavour left in them and they are rather hard.
Marmalade vodka is delicious served simply for sipping, or topped up with a good prosecco or cava for a celebration drink. Try it topped up with orange juice for a longer drink or use it in your favourite cocktails.
More marmalade recipes
- Chocolate orange fudge – creamy with a zesty twist
- Sticky orange marmalade loaf – a delicious traditional bake
- Hints and tips for great marmalade – for the very best preserves
Homemade Orange Marmalade Vodka Liqueur
Ingredients
- 350 ml vodka
- 125 g dark Seville orange marmalade
- 50 ml Aperol/Campari/red vermouth
- 2 pods cardamom (lightly crushed)
Instructions
- Put the marmalade in a wide necked bottle or jar. Pour the vodka over the top, add the cardamon, and seal the lid.350 ml vodka, 125 g dark Seville orange marmalade
- Stir or swirl to start the marmalade dissolving. Don't shake unless you are very confident of the seal on your bottle or jar.
- Add the cardamon pods (lightly crush them) and a double shot of Aperol or your preferred aperitif.50 ml Aperol/Campari/red vermouth, 2 pods cardamom
- Seal the jar, give it another good swirl and leave in a cool dark cupboard for a week.
- Filter through a coffee filter, or a funnel lined with a folded square of kitchen paper. This takes several hours, so cover with a lid or cling film and leave overnight.
- Finally, using a jug and a funnel transfer your homemade marmalade vodka to storage bottles. Ideally, leave for a further week or two before drinking.
Notes
- Use a large, wide-necked jar or bottle. You need to be able to get the marmalade in and out again.
- I find a kitchen funnel is essential for avoiding waste and mess in the kitchen and filling bottles with homemade drinks is one of those occasions when I am really glad of mine.
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