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Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle created the liqueur Grand Marnier in 1880. It is a triple sec made from a blend of cognacs, oranges and other ingredients and contains about 40 percent alcohol. You can drink Grand Marnier straight, mix it in a cocktail or use it for cooking.

Wash and peel the oranges, making sure to take off all of the white rind; otherwise, the liquor will come out bitter. Slice the orange into strips.

Put the orange slices, brandy, vodka and the vanilla bean in a glass container. Cover and steep (soak) for about three weeks.

After three weeks, strain and filter the mixture. A coffee filter works well for filtering. You only want liquid, so you can get rid of any big pieces.

Heat 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a pot on the stove until it boils. Stir with a wooden spoon to make sure the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

Add the cooled water and sugar to the orange mixture in a sterilized glass container. Age the liquor in your refrigerator for four weeks.

Tip

Use firm oranges with smooth skins that do not have one speck of mold or any soft spots.

Make sure your glass container is sterilized so that it will not grow mold in the refrigerator.