Krupnikas Recipes

LITHUANIAN KRUPNIKAS

Steps:

• Crack the cardamom seeds and nutmeg with a heavy skillet on a cutting board. Toss them into a saucepan with the caraway seed, cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, saffron, ginger, turmeric, orange zest and lemon zest. Pour in the water, and bring to a boil. Cover, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by 1/2. Strain out spices, and set the liquid aside.
• Pour honey into a large pot, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim off any foam from the top. Stir in the strained liquid from the spices and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and place far from the stove to avoid any flare-ups from the grain alcohol. Slowly stir in the grain alcohol. Place the pot back onto the burner over low heat and cover. Heat through, being careful not to boil or even simmer. Remove from heat and let stand overnight with the lid on.
• The following day, pour the liquid into sterile bottles, seal, and allow to settle for 2 weeks. The longer you let it sit, the clearer it will become and the better it tastes. Serve warm.

POLISH HONEY-SPICED VODKA (KRUPNIK)

Steps:

• You can serve the krupnik hot immediately after making it. Or you can allow it to cool and serve it cold.

QUICK HONEY LIQUEUR (GREITAI PAGAMINTAS KRUPNIKAS)

Steps:

• Combine honey with water, vanilla, spices and lemon peel in a large metal percolator. Bring to a boil and let it perk for about 7 minutes. Remove from heat; add vodka.
• When slightly cooled, strain and pour into a sterilized quart jar or heat-proof bottle. Can be served warm or cold.