viryta (lithuanian honey liqueur)

Ingredients

• Servings: 2
• 1 lemon
• 1 orange
• 1 pound honey
• 3 1/2 cups bottled water
• 3 cups 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

Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ready Time: 1 hr 15 mins


• 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.