How to Make Mandarin Infused Vodka

A Simple Recipe using only Mandarins & Vodka

Vodka can be infused with all manner of delicious herbs, spices, and fruits. One of the best infusions is with citrus peel though — it’s easy to do and is a delicious treat for yourself or to give as gifts. The hardest part of this recipe is allowing the mandarin peels to infuse in the vodka for as long as possible. As soon as it takes on that gorgeous orange aroma you won’t be able to wait to try it!

The infused vodka won’t be sweet after you make the initial infusion. To make it into a sweet orange liqueur, follow the directions for making ‘Mandacello’ further down on this page.

Mandarin Vodka Recipe

You will need…
A pint of high quality Vodka
3 Mandarins (or other citrus fruit)
A glass jar with lid (I used a pint sized preserving jar)

1. Using a potato peeler, peel the coloured bit of the mandarin peels off trying to avoid as much of the bitter white pith as possible.
2. Combine the peels with the vodka in the jar and place it in a dark cupboard for at least a couple of weeks but longer if possible. A couple of months might be best. Shaking the jar once a day will help disperse the flavour from the peel into the liquor.
3. The clear vodka will eventually take on a golden orange hue. Taste the vodka from time to time to judge the flavour but remember that there’s no sugar in it so it won’t taste like the flavoured vodkas at the shop yet.
4. Strain the vodka through linen, a coffee filter, or even a bit of kitchen paper and into a clean glass bottle. Add another strip of mandarin peel for decoration and enjoy at your leisure. It’s so pretty that I’d even consider making this and giving it away as presents.

Mandacello Recipe

This mandarin vodka can be kept on its own and used in mixed drinks or as a homemade citrus extract for desserts and recipes. Mix it up with equal portions of simple sugar syrup and you have a mandarin version of Limoncello.

It’s best to refrigerate (or freeze) your Mandacello but stored in a cool, dark place it will keep a long time due to the alcohol content. I’ve found other recipes that say that it will last for up to a year but doubt any would be left in my house long enough to test the theory!

You will need…
2 cups mandarin infused Vodka
1 cup white Sugar
1 cup hot Water

1. Using the infusion method detailed above, make your mandarin infused vodka and measure.
2. Make the simple sugar syrup: Combine the hot water and sugar and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Add the vodka to the cooled sugar syrup and pour the mixture into a clean bottle. Allow the flavours to meld together for a week before serving.