The thing I like about making liqueurs at home is that you don't have to age them for long when you make them. They do have underlying periods during their production to allow flavors to blend so don’t break the bottle open sooner than the recipe suggests.
Besides enjoying them after dinner, you can splash them over holiday ice cream or start the day with a shot in your coffee…that is if it’s Sunday and that is your indulgence.
I enjoy making these during the holiday season, especially when I see what they cost to buy in the liquor store.
Bon Appetit!
Bailey's Original Irish Cream
1 cup light cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon instant coffee
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed
for about 20 seconds.Transfer to a clean bottle with a tightly fitting cap.
Store, refrigerated, and shake well before using.
Grand Marnier
4 medium Oranges
1 Vanilla bean
2 1/2 cups Vodka
1 cup Brandy
1 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
Look for firm, heavy oranges which indicates lots of juice,
and smooth−skinned ones free from soft spots and mold.
Wash and peel oranges making sure to scrape ALL white rind
from the peels to avoid bitter flavor. Slice in strips and add to
liquor and vanilla bean. Steep 2−3 weeks, strain and filter.
Boil together water and sugar for about 5 minutes at a full boil
and be sure the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool.
Add sugar syrup to orange liquor and let age for 4 weeks.
Peppermint Schnapps
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 16−oz. bottle light corn syrup
2 cups 80−proof vodka
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Combine sugar and corn syrup in a 2 quart pan over medium heat. Heat until
sugar dissolves, stirring regularly (about 5 minutes). When sugar has
dissolved, add vodka and stir well. Remove mixture from heat and cover
tightly with lid. Let cool. Add peppermint extract to mixture and pour into bottle.