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janradderAlso 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!
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!
