in season: arancello two ways

While orange passion cordial will be fine for the kids, I have a big summer planned. My bestie and I have been alternately pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the past seven years. Our youngest, final babies have both said bye-bye-booby in the past month, so preparations are now in place for many a fine summer's evening swilling fancy cocktails like ladies. Or something.

This should be a nice Christmas treat: Arancello. It's like limoncello, only with oranges, apparently. I've put two jars down, one spiced and one plain. I found a good technique and base recipe here. Then I found inspiration for a lovely spiced version here.  This is what I did:

In a big jar with a good seal, combine the following:
The zest and strained juice of four oranges
2 cups vodka
1 cup sugar

Shake daily for a week, to dissolve the sugar. Then shake weekly, resting in a cool dark place for at least 6 weeks. As long as you can stand to leave it, the better the flavours will be. Strain and chill well before serving.

For the festive spicy version, I added
1 vanilla pod
3 cardamon pods
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick

Hoping it will taste as good as it smells!

What's your favourite festive tipple? Are you getting ready for a handmade Christmas yet?