How to Make Viryta (Lithuanian Honey Liqueur) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Viryta is a traditional Lithuanian honey liqueur that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a sweet and fragrant alcoholic beverage that is often served as a dessert drink or enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. Made with a unique blend of honey, spices, and spirits, viryta is a beloved part of Lithuania's culinary heritage.

The traditional method of making viryta involves infusing honey with a variety of herbs and spices, and then mixing it with high-quality spirits suc...

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Ingredients

  • 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

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 8 days
  • Total Time: 8 days 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 36
  • Yield: 2 750ml bottles

  • 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

    187 cal.

    • Total Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 3mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 27g
    • Protein: 0g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 13mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 18mg