Created by JostLori on November 4, 2013
Step 1: Peel the ginger, using the back of a spoon, and cut it into thin slices. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Bring the ginger, vanilla, sugar, and water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the ginger is soft—about 20 minutes. Let the syrup cool. Do not strain yet.
Step 3: Zest the orange and place the zest in a sealable glass container along with the syrup and brandy. Discard or eat the remainder of the orange.
Step 4: Seal and shake, then let this mixture steep for one day.
Step 5: After one day, remove the vanilla bean and let the mixture steep for an additional day.
Step 6: Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer, then through a coffee filter into your bottle or jar for storage. Let it sit for one more day before using to let flavors mellow.