BLOOD ORANGE LIQUEUR

Steps:

• Make simple syrup by heating 2 1/2 cups water and 3 cups sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 5 minutes. Let cool before using. Any extra will keep in the refrigerator for a month or so, and is good for sweetening iced tea, etc.
• Wash, dry and peel the zest from the oranges and lemons, being careful not to take any of the pith. Place in a large glass jar.
• Remove pith from two of the oranges. Cut up the fruit and add to the jar. (You will not use the remaining oranges in this recipe).
• Stir to smash the fruit a bit, add the vodka, ginger and lemon and seal the jar.
• Place in a cool, dry spot, away from sunlight for two weeks, swirling it about occasionally.
• Stir in the simple syrup, reseal, and again set aside for two weeks, swirling occasionally.
• Strain the liqueur.
• Filter it through a double layer of cheesecloth into a pitcher.
• Filter a final time through 2 new layers of cheesecloth into the final bottle.