Orange Citrus Wine

Discover the vibrant taste of homemade orange-flavored wine, a delightful blend of sweet and citrusy flavors reminiscent of whiskey. This unique concoction involves a careful process of boiling and soaking fresh oranges to extract their essential oils, followed by fermentation that enriches the flavor profile. Perfect for casual gatherings or as a special treat!
ingredients
- 12 large oranges
- 4 lbs sugar
- ½ oz yeast
- 1 gallon water
- Yeast nutrient
steps
- 1.
**Prepare the oranges**: Briefly submerge whole oranges in boiling water. Remove and discard the water. Cut oranges into small pieces.
- 2.
**Initial soaking**: Pour ½ gallon of cooled, boiled water over the orange pieces. Cover and soak for 48 hours, crushing and pressing the peel to extract oils.
- 3.
**First fermentation stage**: Boil half the sugar in a quart of water for 2 minutes, then cool. Add cooled sugar syrup to the orange mixture, followed by yeast and nutrient. Ferment in a warm place for 5 days.
- 4.
**Strain and second fermentation**: Crush the fermented mixture and strain through fine muslin, discarding the pulp. Return liquid to the fermenting vessel. Ferment for an additional 10 days.
- 5.
**Transfer and final sugar addition**: Carefully pour the liquid into a gallon jar, leaving sediment behind. Boil the remaining water and sugar, then cool. Add the cooled sugar syrup to the jar.
- 6.
**Final fermentation**: Fit a fermentation lock or cover as directed. Continue fermenting in a warm place until all fermentation ceases.