Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 30 min
Ingredients
Makes about 1 1/2 cups1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 (4-inch) strips fresh orange zest
2/3 cup Cognac or other brandy
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a 1-quart saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Cool.
Cooks' note:
• Syrup can be made 4 days ahead of assembling trifle and chilled, covered.