Lithuanian Honey Liquer Vititus Food

LITHUANIAN KRUPNIKAS

Lithuanian Krupnikas image

Lithuanian spiced honey liqueur. Serve warm as a traditional Eastern European cold remedy - a quick heat-up in the microwave works great.

Provided by JOENAUJOKAS

Categories Drinks Recipes Liqueur Recipes

Time P14DT1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

10 cardamom seeds
½ nutmeg seed
2 teaspoons caraway seed
10 whole cloves
10 whole allspice berries
4 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
1 pinch crushed saffron threads
2 (1 inch) pieces fresh ginger root
2 (1 inch) pieces fresh turmeric (yellow ginger)
3 large strips of orange zest
3 large strips of lemon zest
4 cups water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 pounds honey
1 quart 190 proof grain alcohol

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 705.5 calories, Carbohydrate 96.2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 10.1 mg, Sugar 93.5 g

VIRYTA (LITHUANIAN HONEY LIQUEUR)

Viryta (Lithuanian Honey Liqueur) image

This is a sweet, very potent beverage that can be found at Lithuanian festivals and Lithuanian social clubs in Baltimore. They usually pronounce it 'VIT-a-tis'. Viryta is usually homemade by descendants of Lithuanian immigrants, using recipes that have been handed down through the generations, and is a popular commodity around the holidays. It took me years to finally get someone to teach me how to make it; most of the people around Baltimore who make it are very secretive about their family recipes! I'd probably catch an earful if she knew I posted it online!

Provided by FoodJunkie

Categories Drinks Recipes Liqueur Recipes

Time P8DT1h15m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lemon
1 orange
1 pound honey
3 ½ cups bottled water
3 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons caraway seeds
25 whole cloves
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 pints 190 proof grain alcohol

Steps:

Peel orange and lemon in a circular motion in a large strip. Place peels in a warm, dry area to dry for 24 hours.
Stir honey, 1 cup water, sugar, caraway seeds, cloves, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg together in a large pot; bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. Add dried orange and lemon peels to honey mixture; continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat; discard fruit peels. Stir grain alcohol and remaining 2 1/2 cups water into honey mixture. Transfer mixture to a glass container and tightly cover with a lid. Place in a cool location out of direct sunlight and let set, gently swirling container every few days, for 1 week.
Strain mixture through double-layered cheesecloth to remove sediment. Pour liqueur into bottles or decanters and seal.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.1 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 3 mg, Sugar 27.1 g