VIRYTA (LITHUANIAN HONEY LIQUEUR)

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Viryta (Lithuanian Honey Liqueur) image

This is a sweet, very potent beverage that can be found at Lithuanian festivals and Lithuanian social clubs in Baltimore. They usually pronounce it 'VIT-a-tis'. Viryta is usually homemade by descendants of Lithuanian immigrants, using recipes that have been handed down through the generations, and is a popular commodity around the holidays. It took me years to finally get someone to teach me how to make it; most of the people around Baltimore who make it are very secretive about their family recipes! I'd probably catch an earful if she knew I posted it online!

Provided by FoodJunkie

Categories     Drinks Recipes     Liqueur Recipes

Time P8DT1h15m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lemon
1 orange
1 pound honey
3 ½ cups bottled water
3 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons caraway seeds
25 whole cloves
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 pints 190 proof grain alcohol

Steps:

  • Peel orange and lemon in a circular motion in a large strip. Place peels in a warm, dry area to dry for 24 hours.
  • Stir honey, 1 cup water, sugar, caraway seeds, cloves, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg together in a large pot; bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. Add dried orange and lemon peels to honey mixture; continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat; discard fruit peels. Stir grain alcohol and remaining 2 1/2 cups water into honey mixture. Transfer mixture to a glass container and tightly cover with a lid. Place in a cool location out of direct sunlight and let set, gently swirling container every few days, for 1 week.
  • Strain mixture through double-layered cheesecloth to remove sediment. Pour liqueur into bottles or decanters and seal.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.1 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 3 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

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