Mr. Joseph Littleshoes Esq. wrote:

My apologies.

Had i paid closer attention, originally, i would not now be typing this
up as an explanation & apology for my rather routine epistolary lapse's

I of course do not know the precise formula for 'cointreau' or any other
specific liquor or cordial, at least none of the 'famous' versions of
various fruit & herbal liquors & cordials. I made a rough approximation
once of "Chartreuse" (sp?) the French herbal liquor, but it was NOT a
success.

I have fermented & distilled black berries, tomatoes and "yerba buenna"
..... none to such a success that i would be enthusiastic about repeating
the process.

However ...... there are a number of old recipes for 'liqueurs
preparee en quelques heures"

Also what are sometimes called "Ratafias" or household liqueurs, "which
were once very popular and are no longer fashionable nowadays, which is
very regrettable."

Ratafias

Put the chosen fruit into a wide mouthed jar and cover with colorless
brandy. Cover the jar tightly and expose to the sun for 40 days.

Decant and add 1/2 pint syrup, boiled to 219 degrees F., to each 1 & 3/4
pints of fruit juice. Filter and put into stoppered bottles.

A cherry version of this 'ratafia' crushes the cherry pits and puts them
separately to soak in brandy for 40 days then filters and combines with
the cherry fruit that has been soaking in brandy for 40 days.

If i were going to make an orange ratafia i would look up what other
people have said about oranges (or other citrus) regarding soaking them
in the brandy with or without their skins. I almost think peeling very
well, even with a knife so there is no pith at all and then even lightly
crushing the oranges and only then adding the brandy.

Perhaps taking a cue from the cherry formula and soaking at least some
of the citrus skins in brandy separately so as to add to the rest
latter? This is sometimes done with cherry pits & a hot sugar syrup for
a sorbet.
--
Mr. Joseph Littleshoes Esq.

Domine, dirige nos.
Let the games begin!
http://fredeeky.typepad.com/fredeeky.../sf_anthem.mp3