If you’ve ever wanted to try a traditional Lithuanian honey liqueur that’s bursting with warm, aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness, then krupnikas is the perfect homemade treat for you. This delightful drink has been cherished for centuries, known for its comforting flavors that blend honey, herbs, and a touch of citrus.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests during the holidays or enjoy a cozy evening sip, making krupnikas at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding.
With its rich history and unique taste, krupnikas is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience. From the fragrant spices to the golden honey base, every sip transports you to the heart of Eastern Europe.
Ready to learn how to make this enchanting liqueur yourself? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why krupnikas deserves a spot in your home bar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This krupnikas recipe is incredibly approachable, using everyday ingredients and straightforward steps to create a beautifully balanced liqueur. The honey provides a natural sweetness that’s complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, creating layers of flavor that develop over time.
It’s perfect for gifting, festive occasions, or simply enjoying by the fireplace.
Unlike many liqueurs that require complex distillation processes, krupnikas is simply infused and sweetened, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Plus, the recipe is versatile—you can tweak the spices to suit your own palate or create a batch that’s uniquely yours.
If you love experimenting with traditional recipes or want a homemade alternative to store-bought spirits, this krupnikas is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 750 ml vodka (or any neutral grain spirit)
- 200 g honey (preferably a mild variety like clover or acacia)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 5 allspice berries
- 1 vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
- 1 strip of lemon peel (avoid white pith)
- 1 strip of orange peel
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch, sliced)
- 250 ml water
Equipment
- Large glass jar or bottle with airtight lid (at least 1-liter capacity)
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Funnel (optional, for bottling)
Instructions
- Prepare the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the honey dissolves completely. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine the spices and herbs. In your large glass jar, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, split vanilla bean, lemon and orange peels, thyme, rosemary, and sliced ginger.
- Pour in the vodka. Carefully add the 750 ml of vodka to the jar with the spices and herbs.
- Add the cooled honey syrup. Once the syrup has cooled, pour it into the jar with the vodka and spices.
- Seal and shake. Secure the lid tightly and gently shake the jar to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Infuse the mixture. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 3 weeks. Shake the jar gently every 2-3 days to help the flavors meld.
- Strain the krupnikas. After infusion, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar to remove all solids.
- Age the liqueur. For best flavor, let the krupnikas rest for another week or two before serving. The longer it ages, the smoother and richer it becomes.
- Serve and enjoy. Chill or serve at room temperature. Krupnikas can be sipped neat, on the rocks, or used as a base for cocktails.
Tips & Variations
“Experiment with different honey varieties to change the flavor profile—buckwheat honey adds a deeper, earthier taste, while wildflower honey offers floral notes.”
- Sweetness adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter liqueur, add more honey syrup gradually after tasting.
- Spice variations: Try adding star anise, cardamom pods, or nutmeg for additional complexity.
- Alcohol options: Substitute vodka with rum or brandy for a different base flavor.
- Herbal twist: Fresh herbs like mint or basil can add a fresh note if infused for a shorter period.
- Quick infusion: If short on time, warm the vodka slightly with the spices (do not boil) to speed up infusion, then mix with honey syrup.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 ml |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates (from honey) | 15 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
| Alcohol by volume (ABV) | 25-30% |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
Krupnikas is wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy it chilled as a digestif after dinner to aid digestion or warmed gently on a cold winter evening for that cozy feeling.
It pairs beautifully with desserts such as apple pie or spiced cookies. For a festive touch, try mixing krupnikas with warm apple cider and a cinnamon stick.
For cocktail lovers, consider using krupnikas as a base in place of sweet liqueurs in drinks like hot toddies or mulled wine. Its rich honey and spice profile adds a unique twist to classic recipes.
And if you’re hosting a gathering, serve krupnikas alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheeses and dried fruits for a perfect balance.
Conclusion
Making your own krupnikas is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings a taste of Lithuanian tradition right into your home. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll craft a liqueur that’s rich, aromatic, and bursting with complex flavors.
It’s an ideal homemade gift or a special treat to elevate any occasion.
Beyond its delicious taste, krupnikas offers a wonderful way to experiment with spices, honeys, and herbs, allowing you to personalize the recipe to your liking. Whether you enjoy it neat, in cocktails, or paired with desserts, this honey liqueur is sure to become a favorite staple in your collection.
Cheers to new flavors and warm memories!
For more delightful recipes to complement your culinary adventures, be sure to check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, explore fresh ideas with our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas, or warm up with the comforting Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
📖 Recipe Card: Krupnikas Recipe
Description: Krupnikas is a traditional Lithuanian honey and spice liqueur. It features a warm blend of honey, herbs, and spices steeped in vodka or grain alcohol.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 1 liter
Ingredients
- 750 ml vodka or grain alcohol
- 200 g honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 cloves
- 5 allspice berries
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 1 tsp dried orange peel
- 1 tsp dried lemon peel
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Combine honey and 200 ml water in a saucepan and heat gently until honey dissolves.
- Add cinnamon, cloves, allspice, vanilla bean, orange peel, lemon peel, thyme, mint, and star anise to the honey mixture.
- Simmer the mixture gently for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain the spiced honey syrup into a large jar.
- Add vodka or grain alcohol to the jar and stir well.
- Seal the jar and let it infuse in a dark place for at least 7 days.
- Shake the jar every day to mix flavors.
- After infusion, strain the liqueur again and bottle it.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal per 100 ml | Protein: 0 g | Fat: 0 g | Carbs: 20 g
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