The original drink from “role players” with a complex technology of preparation. Elberetovka has a rich citrus-mint aroma and orange-spicy taste, high strength is almost not felt. In the process of cooking, the main thing is to prevent a fire in the kitchen.
Historical information
Elberetovka is an alcoholic drink of Russian-speaking role-players-tolkienists (fans of the books of J. R. R. Tolkien). The recipe was published in 2007 in the book Tales of the Dark Forest by Djonny.
The tincture is named after Varda (second name – Elberet) – the queen of Arda and Valinor, the creator of the stars of Ea, who was held in high esteem by the elves.
Elberetovka Recipe
The classic recipe uses 96% medical alcohol. But in this case, the tincture will turn out to be very strong (more than 55% vol.). Therefore, as an alcohol base, you can take vodka or moonshine, then the fortress will drop to about 26% vol.
Due to the heating and open evaporation of alcohol, it is very difficult to name even the approximate fortress of Elberetovka, approximate values are indicated.
Ingredients:
- alcohol (96%) – 1 l;
- water – 0,5 l;
- oranges – 2 pieces (large);
- honey – 2 handfuls (5-6 tablespoons);
- walnuts – 5 pieces;
- carnation – 7 buds;
- mint or melissa – 3-4 leaves;
- nutmeg – 1 pinch.
Oranges should be large, fragrant and juicy. It is best to use non-candied lime or buckwheat honey, but any honey will do, it just takes longer to dissolve in water. The original recipe says that lemon balm is best, although mint is acceptable.
Technology of preparation
1. Pour water into a saucepan and add honey. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until honey is completely dissolved in water.
2. Scald the oranges with boiling water and wipe dry (to remove the preservative from the peel), then cut each fruit into 4 parts and add to the honey syrup.
3. Chop the walnuts, divide the cores into several parts and add to the oranges (the shell is not used).
4. Add cloves.
At the moment of adding the carnation, loudly shout the phrase: “A Elbereth Gilthoniel! (Elberet Giltoniel).” This is a call to the Lady of Light, without which Elberetovka will not be so tasty, and something bad will definitely happen during the booze.
5. Add nutmeg and mint (melissa).
6. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, then strain through a kitchen sieve.
7. Pour the resulting orange-honey syrup into a pressure cooker or just a saucepan (if there is no pressure cooker). Add alcohol at the rate of 1 liter per 0,5 liter of syrup. Mix.
8. Close the pressure cooker and put on low heat for 10 minutes.
In the case of a regular saucepan, seal the lid around the edges with dough, then place in a steam bath for 10 minutes. A steam (water) bath is a pot of larger diameter (than a pot with tincture) filled with boiling water, the temperature of which is maintained by heating on the stove.
During the cooking process, the tincture should not boil!
Attention! Do not cover the opening of the pot or the valve of the pressure cooker, otherwise the overpressure may cause an explosion and fire. During the brewing process, some of the alcohol will evaporate, as it should. At this stage, it is advisable to turn on the hood at full power and not leave the pan unattended even for a few minutes – alcohol vapor instantly ignites upon contact with an open fire.
9. Without opening the container with the future Elberetovka, put it in ice water (the easiest way is in the bathroom) and keep it until the metal of the pan becomes as cold as water.
10. Remove the saucepan (pressure cooker) from the water, open the lid and leave it in the refrigerator for 1 hour so that the excess alcohol evaporates.
11. Pour the finished Elberetovka into bottles for storage and close hermetically. The drink is ready to drink. Shelf life away from direct sunlight – up to 5 years. Approximate strength – 55-65%.
