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
- Sanitize Equipment
- Rinse bottles, funnels, and utensils with boiling water or sanitizer.
- 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.
- Cool the Syrup
- Remove from heat and let it cool to approximately 104°F (40°C) or lower.
- Mix with Alcohol
- Stir in the Everclear slowly and gently.
- Strain and Bottle
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter.
- Funnel into clean, airtight bottles.
- 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)
(Visited 42 times, 1 visits today)