Krupnik is a traditional liqueur made from alcohol, honey, and spices like cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Originating in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, it typically has an alcohol by volume of 38%.
How it is made
Krupnik is made from alcohol (or aquavit), honey, and various spices including cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. The original recipe is kept secret, though historically each household made their own version with locally available ingredients.
History
Known in Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania since the 18th century, Krupnik was considered an essential skill for noble housewives in the 19th century. Some particularly famous Krupniks came from Kovno, and it was traditionally served hot in small porcelain cups, sometimes with a ritual of igniting the mixture.
How it is served
Krupnik is traditionally served hot in small porcelain cups, though in less formal settings it might be consumed from glasses or even wooden spoons. It was sometimes a competitor to German punch and was known for being served during special gatherings.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Крупник (напиток), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Styles and varieties
- Boilo