Barbarian Recipe

by Howard | Jul 2, 2025 | Other Drinks

A fizzy, fruit-forward twist on root beer, combining the sweet spiciness of blackberry brandy with the crisp effervescence of ice-cold root beer. Great for casual nights, barbecues, or movie evenings, a nostalgic yet grown-up treat.

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink

• 12 fl oz (360 ml) high‑quality root beer (e.g., A&W or craft)
• 1 oz (30 ml) blackberry brandy
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Garnish (optional): 3 fresh blackberries or a lemon twist

Steps to Make It

1. Chill glassware
   • Place your beer mug or sturdy pint glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while preparing.
2. Add ice (optional)
   • For a cooler, slower‑diluting drink, fill the chilled glass halfway with ice.
3. Pour root beer
   • Slowly pour 12 fl oz (360 ml) of root beer into the glass, leaving about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of space at the top.
4. Add brandy
   • Gently float 1 oz (30 ml) of blackberry brandy over the root beer. No stirring yet.
5. Garnish and gently stir
   • If desired, tuck in 3 fresh blackberries or a twisted lemon peel.
   • Give it a gentle swirl just enough to blend the flavors without flattening the fizz.
6. Serve immediately
   • Present your cold, fizzy Barbarian with a straw or spoon and enjoy the layered flavor journey.

Tips & Variations

• Flavor depth: Try a dash of Angostura bitters or a splash of cola for complexity.
• Beer swap: Substitute craft IPA for root beer in the “Raging Barbarian” variation.
• Brandy alternatives: If blackberry brandy isn’t available, use crème de cassis with a bit of dark rum, sweet and berry-rich.
• Mocktail version: Omit the brandy and add a splash of blackberry syrup with a tiny squeeze of fresh lime juice.

(Updated: 7/2/25)

Honey Liquor Recipe

by Howard | Jul 1, 2025 | Other Drinks

A smooth, spiced honey liqueur inspired by traditional recipes like Bärenfang and Krupnikas. Sweet, warming, and aromatic, excellent sipped neat, over ice, or mixed in cocktails.

Ingredients (approx. 1 quart yield)

• 12.7 fl oz Everclear (or other high-proof neutral spirit)
• 8.5 fl oz filtered water (just over 1 cup)
• 14 oz (about 1 lb minus 2 oz) mild honey
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4–6 whole cloves
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
• Zest of 1 orange (thin strips, no white pith)
• ½ vanilla bean, split (optional)

Steps to Make It

1. Sanitize Equipment
   • Rinse bottles, funnels, and utensils with boiling water or sanitizer.
2. Make Honey-Spice Syrup
   • Heat the water gently (do not boil).
   • Stir in the honey until fully dissolved.
   • Add cinnamon, cloves, ginger, orange zest, and vanilla if using.
   • Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes.
   • Skim off any foam.
3. Cool the Syrup
   • Remove from heat and let it cool to approximately 104°F (40°C) or lower.
4. Mix with Alcohol
   • Stir in the Everclear slowly and gently.
5. Strain and Bottle
   • Strain through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter.
   • Funnel into clean, airtight bottles.
6. Rest and Mature
   • Let the liqueur rest in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.
   • This allows the flavors to meld and any sediment to settle.

Tips & Serving Suggestions

• Serve neat, over ice, or in warm cocktails.
• Adjust sweetness by adding extra honey to taste.
• For extra clarity, decant off any sediment after resting.

(Updated: 7/1/25)