Krupnik

[janradder]

Also called "Fire Vodka" and "Honey Vodka," this Polish drink is said to have been created by Benedictine monks at a monastery in Nieśwież. It's been around since at least the 16th century. I read somewhere that it has the ability to make armies crumble and fell strong men. I make it each Christmas. It's pretty easy to make if you'd like to try it at home.

3/4 cup honey
1/3 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
1/4 tsp. whole nutmeg (approx. -- cut the nutmeg into chunks)
5 sticks of cinnamon
4 whole cloves
2 strips of lemon peel (make sure to get all of the pith off or else it will turn the drink bitter)
1/2 bottle of vodka

I use whole spices because it's easier to remove them. If you use grated spices, make sure you pour the drink through a cheesecloth when you're done making it. As for the vodka, don't go for the cheap stuff, and if you want to be traditional, find a Polish vodka (they're among the best in the world -- after all, contrary to popular belief, it was the Poles, not the Russians, who invented it). Belvedere (from rye) and Chopin (from potatoes) are both good as is Wódka Wyborowa (from rye -- it's inexpensive but a very excellent vodka).

Mix all the ingredients except the vodka in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, cover it, turn down the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat, still covered, and let the honey/spice mixture sit for about 1 hour. Remove the spices and lemon peel, add the vodka and then reheat it (but don't boil it or else you'll boil off the alcohol).

You can serve it hot or cold but, personally, I think it tastes best hot, especially on a cold winter's night.

Na Zdrowia!

Comments

[sacwentie.livejournal.com]

Thanks Jan! I'm going to make it. I loed it last year. [sic]

[janradder.livejournal.com]

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm glad you loed it.

[justinhowe.livejournal.com]

This looks good. Who knew you could level armies so easily and in the comfort of your own home? Do I need to actually possess an army or will the beverage find its own?

[janradder.livejournal.com]

The beauty of Krupnik is that you don't need an army of your own -- just brew up a batch and when the Cossacks come knocking on your door, let the power of the Fire Vodka work its magic. Hope you like it.

[pierogi-queen.livejournal.com]

I made some a couple of years ago - but your recipe looks soooooooo much better than the one I used. Where did you find whole nutmegs?

I agree that it tastes best hot.

I have used mine in hot tea when I have a cold - about a quarter cup in a mug of tea - with some added lemon juice.

[janradder.livejournal.com]

I find the whole nutmeg in the bulk foods section at the grocery store. Usually there's a spice section there (the spices, by the way, are usually much fresher and higher quality than the stuff in the jars and it's much, much cheaper too, since you aren't paying for the packaging).

This is the recipe I used when you came out for Christmas, by the way. Hope you enjoy it.

[baronnemelisend.livejournal.com]

I want to make it and take it to an SCA event....