Step 1

Peel the ginger 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 ginger is soft—about 20 minutes. Let the syrup cool. Do not strain yet.

Step 3

Zest the orange and place the zest only in a sealable glass container along with the syrup and brandy. Seal and shake, then let this mixture steep for one day.

Step 4

After one day, remove the vanilla bean and let the mixture steep for an additional day.

Step 5

Strain mixture through a coffee filter into your bottle or jar for storage. Let it sit for one more day before using to let flavors mellow.