krupnik / polish honey vodka

As far as I can tell there's really no reason not to infuse vodka. Raspberries, lemons, cherries - any of these fruits make a magical vodka infusion, but I think among all the varieties of flavored vodka, krupnik, or honey vodka, is my favorite.

Krupnik is served hot as a traditional Christmas cordial in Poland, but it also makes a refreshing summer drink served cold or over ice. It's an excellent way to turn a mediocre bottle of vodka into a smooth, celebratory drink. I usually buy an inexpensive bottle like Svedka. There's no need to splurge here - the vodka will taste great once it mingles with the honey and spices.



I think Princess Mirabella wants to be a Svedka model because she kept striking poses around the bottle.


Ingredients

2 cups honey

2 cups water

6 cinnamon sticks

10 cloves

1/4 t ground nutmeg

peel of 1 orange

1 t vanilla

5 cups of vodka

cheesecloth (optional)

Directions

Simmer all ingredients except vodka in a covered pot for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Return to heat, bring to a boil, and add vodka. Remove from heat immediately after vodka has been added.

Cool the mixture. Once it is room temperature, you may strain it through the cheesecloth. (This step is only necessary if you want the vodka to be clear and uniform. It's perfectly fine to serve the vodka with the spices and orange peel still in it.)

To serve hot:

Reheat the strained liquid, ladle into mugs.

To serve cold or over ice:

Once the vodka has cooled, store it in the freezer. I keep mine in a big mason jar. The vodka tastes best if it's been stored in the freezer for a couple of weeks so that the flavors have time to really blend.

Na zdrovie! Wszystkiego najlepszego w nowym roky!