As the name suggests, Krambambulya is a complex and unusual drink. But in fact, this is just an unusual version of mead. Its peculiarity is spices, which harmonize well with honey and give the drink a peculiar taste.
It was for this word, from which it breathes something magical and fabulous, that my eye caught on when I sorted through the letters from our readers. This letter came to me from Anna R. I can’t help but share with you the recipe for this drink, traditional for Belarusians.
Why I love cooking Krambambula
For the first time I prepared a tincture, because it is Belarusian. I myself am Belarusian, but I have not lived in my homeland for a long time.
Therefore, brewing national alcohol for me was something like an attempt to tell others that I love my country and I am proud of the traditions. Although even in Belarus, not everyone knows about the existence of such a drink.
Interesting! Although Krambambulya is not super popular, some of my Belarusian friends said that they saw a drink with this name in stores.
Ever since I first made Krambambula, it has become my signature tincture. I do not sell alcohol and I practically do not drink myself, but I treat my friends with pleasure. I can easily give a bottle of Krambambuli just like that, if I liked this drink.
Attention! The tincture has a shelf life of approximately 3 years. I quickly give away my supplies pretty quickly, so I cook Krambambula every six months.
Ingredients
I cannot say that Krambambulya is a cheap drink. However, this applies to most tinctures. But its advantage is that all the ingredients are available all year round and can be found in any supermarket.
I don’t always follow exactly the same recipe. I can add a little more pepper or cloves. But I don’t go far from the original.
The main ingredient is vodka. For 0,5 l of vodka I need:
- Peel of 1 citrus. I prefer tangerines. But an orange or grapefruit will do.
- 1 stick of cinnamon and a pinch of ground.
- 1 glass of water (250 ml). I pre-boil and cool it, but if you are sure of the quality of yours, then heat treatment is not necessary.
- 3 cloves (spice)
- 6 peppercorns. In addition to black, I use fragrant, I choose peas of different colors.
- A pinch of nutmeg.
- 5 tablespoons of honey.
Agree that the ingredients are simple and affordable?
Process
I find Krambambulya to be an easy drink to make. But it’s still not enough to just throw all the ingredients into a jar. You have to prepare a little.
First you need to bring to a boil 1 glass of vodka and 1 glass of water along with all the spices, i.e. add nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground cinnamon, as well as pepper and citrus zest.
Attention! I use fresh zest along with a white “substrate”. You do not need to grind it, large pieces are even better. But spices (except cinnamon sticks) are best ground in a mortar.
Bring the spice mixture to a boil over high heat. Then put the pan on a small fire and add honey. Cook the tincture until the honey is completely dissolved.
Then pour everything into a liter jar, close the lid and leave for 2 weeks. Periodically, you need to shake it so that the honey does not sink much into the sediment.
What should happen
After 2 weeks, you need to filter Krambambula through cheesecloth. At first, the drink will look cloudy amber. Therefore, I would not advise you to drink immediately. It is better to let the tincture stand in the bottle for at least a couple of hours. And if you do not touch it for a couple of days, then the sediment will settle down and the drink will become transparent amber.
There is no unpleasant smell of vodka either – it is masked by spices. I did not manage to measure the fortress, but it should turn out in the region of 20-25 degrees.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!
How do you like my recipe? I hope it didn’t seem complicated, and you yourself will try to cook Krambambula. By the way, maybe among the readers there are those who have already prepared it? Share your tricks.