How to Make Homemade Grand Marnier (5 Steps)

Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle created the liqueur Grand Marnier in 1880. It is a triple sec made from a blend of cognacs, oranges and other ingredients and contains about 40 percent alcohol. You can drink Grand Marnier straight, mix it in a cocktail or use it for cooking.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 oranges
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 1/2 cups vodka
  • 1 cup brandy
  • 1 cup white, granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Glass container

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel the oranges, making sure to take off all of the white rind; otherwise, the liquor will come out bitter. Slice the orange into strips.

  2. Put the orange slices, brandy, vodka and the vanilla bean in a glass container. Cover and steep (soak) for about three weeks.

  3. After three weeks, strain and filter the mixture. A coffee filter works well for filtering. You only want liquid, so you can get rid of any big pieces.

  4. Heat 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a pot on the stove until it boils. Stir with a wooden spoon to make sure the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

  5. Add the cooled water and sugar to the orange mixture in a sterilized glass container. Age the liquor in your refrigerator for four weeks.