Citrus Cordial

This citrus cordial is ideal for the height of citrus season, when much of the U.S. is bitterly cold. It’s an important ingredient in two of January 2022’s drinks: a sour called An Orange Among the Pines and a citrus-tinged spritz, the Sbagliato D’inverno.

INGREDIENTS

1 orange
1 lemon
1 cup granulated sugar
A pinch of salt

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Yield: about 1½ cup

Zest orange and lemon with a microplane. Juice orange and lemon and strain. Combine juices and set aside. Combine the zest, sugar, and salt in a blender. Add ½ cup hot water. Blend until sugar is dissolved. (If it’s not fully dissolved after blending, you can microwave the mixture in spurts, stirring after each.) Allow the syrup to cool completely. Measure out ½ cup of reserved juice and combine with syrup. Stir to incorporate. Store in refrigerator.