Viryta (Lithuanian Honey Liqueur) Recipe

Viryta (Lithuanian Honey Liqueur) Recipe

  • 1 lemon
  • 1 orange
  • 1 pound honey
  • 3 1/2 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
  1. Peel orange and lemon in a circular motion in a large strip. Place peels in a warm, dry area to dry for 24 hours.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Strain mixture through double-layered cheesecloth to remove sediment. Pour liqueur into bottles or decanters and seal.