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)

Howard
Author: Howard

Meet Howard, a dedicated blogger and mixologist from Patchogue, New York. With more than 11 years of expertise in the field, he has developed his abilities to craft distinctive and avant-garde cocktails with the best ingredients and methods. He has experience in the art of mixology thanks to his employment as a qualified bartender at some of the best bars and eateries. He likes to experiment with novel flavor combinations in their own time and post their results on the well-known blog Drinks.Wiki. In addition to their bartender abilities, they are also informed about the background and traditions of mixing drinks, frequently include this information in their blog entries. Follow him for advice from the pros, recipes, and behind-the-scenes looks at the mixology industry.

(Visited 42 times, 1 visits today)