Remove zest from each orange using a microplane. If you don’t have a microplane, use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest. If necessary, use a sharp knife to remove any white pith from the back of the zest before extracting. The pith will result in unwanted bitterness to the final product.

Place fruit peels and vodka in a clean glass jar or bottle. Make sure zest is completely submerged in the vodka.

Seal tightly then store in a cool dark place for 8–10 weeks, shaking the bottle occasionally to fully extract the orange essence.

After extracting, remove zest and store the extract in an airtight container indefinitely.