Krambambula Liqueur
A traditional Belarusian strong alcoholic beverage, Krambambula is a warming, spiced liqueur often enjoyed during festive occasions. It's a complex blend of spirits, honey, and spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 ml Vodka(high quality)
- 250 ml Rum(dark rum)
- 200 g Honey(preferably buckwheat or a dark floral honey)
- 100 ml Water
- 2 pieces Cinnamon sticks
- 10 pieces Cloves
- 5 pieces Cardamom pods(lightly crushed)
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated or ground)
- 1 piece Star anise
- 1 strip Orange peel(from about 1/4 orange, avoid white pith)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a saucepan, combine the water and honey. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the honey is completely dissolved. Do not boil.
- 2
Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, nutmeg, star anise, and orange peel to the honey-water mixture. Simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the spices.
💡 Tip: Simmering gently allows the spices to release their flavors without becoming bitter. - 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the spiced syrup cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
- 4
Strain the spiced syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a large, clean glass bottle or jar. Discard the solids.
💡 Tip: Ensure the bottle/jar is sterilized to prevent spoilage. - 5
Add the vodka and rum to the strained syrup. Seal the bottle tightly.
💡 Tip: Using good quality spirits will significantly impact the final taste. - 6
Shake the bottle well to combine all ingredients. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 1-2 weeks to allow the flavors to meld and mature. Shake the bottle every few days.
💡 Tip: The longer it ages, the smoother and more complex the flavor will become. - 7
Before serving, you can strain it again if desired, though many prefer to leave the spices in for visual appeal and continued infusion. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of honey to your sweetness preference.
- ✓Experiment with other spices like allspice berries or ginger.
- ✓For a smoother finish, you can add a small amount of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and cooled) if the honey makes it too thick.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few dried cherries or cranberries during the aging process.
- For a less potent version, increase the water and honey ratio and decrease the spirits.
- Infuse with a vanilla bean for added depth.