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The Instacart guide to krupnik
Krupnik hails from Poland and Belarus, also called Krupnikas in Lithuania. Made from grain spirits like vodka and infused with honey, krupnik tastes as sweet as you might expect. In Poland, krupnik falls under the nalewka category, another infused alcoholic drink. Traditionally, krupnik starts with 80-100% alcohol by volume (ABV) grain alcohol as the base. Commercially produced krupnik usually consists of far less potent base alcohol, running in the 40-50% ABV or 80-100 proof range.
About krupnik
Clover honey acts as the primary ingredient for infusion, although you'll find krupnik blends often contain herbs to add flavor and aroma. As many as 50 different herbs can be used individually or in some combination to produce distinctly different characteristics. Recipes get passed down for generations in households throughout Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania.
Historians believe that the Benedictine monks created the first recipe at a monastery in Niasviz, Belarus. The Polish and Lithuanian nobility took up the drink as early as the 16th century. It wasn't long before the common folk took up the practice of making krupnik themselves. Krupnik doesn't have substantiated medicinal properties per se, but that didn't prevent the Polish soldiers in World War II from using it as a disinfectant.
Producers have experimented with spices and herbs throughout the centuries. In the end, households made the krupnik they preferred, usually from what was on hand. The type of honey and the number of spices and herbs determine the final taste.
To make krupnik, you must first dilute the honey and seasonings of choice, boil them down, then strain out the solids. This reduction gets added to the base alcohol and bottled for storage and drinking. Making krupnik takes around 30 minutes to reduce and strain, posing little difficulty to even the most basic cooks. It does take about a week or two for the infusion to set and any residual sediment to settle.
The word krupnik derives from the word Krupa, meaning barley. You might find a barley soup labeled krupnik on a Polish or Lithuanian menu as the drink and soup share the same name. Polish people always serve krupnik on Christmas Eve during their Wiglia, the traditional Polish Christmas vigil dinner. On this day, you might sip the drink and eat the soup.
Types of krupnik
The honey-infused grain alcohol krupnik falls under a single category. However, within this honey-infused liqueur, you can find many herbs and spices used to add flavor. Common spices include:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Clove
- Cardamom
- Vanilla
- Allspice
- Caraway
- Ginger
- Mace
- Saffron
Some fruits are used in producing krupnik, usually:
- Orange
- Lemon
- Lime
- Red Currant
- Quince
Popular herbs and botanicals used in krupnik are:
- Juniper
- Tea
- Pine
- Coffee
- Fennel
- Grains of Paradise
Tips for selecting a good krupnik
Many people will tell you there's no such thing as a bad krupnik. Because of the countless herbs and spices that can be used, there will be a krupnik to suit anyone's taste. You can buy imported krupnik from all over the world. If you're looking for an authentic drink you wish to enjoy straight, you should limit your purchase to those brands imported from Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus.
The ease with which krupnik can be made has led to large-scale commercial production in the United States. In general, you'll find the strongest ABV with your imported brands, but these U.S. producers often have Polish/Belarus/Lithuanian descent and use their ancestors' recipes. The honey used plays such a big part in the final character, so you should search for those made with clover honey.
If you're throwing a soiree and want to add a little international flair with a specialty cocktail, krupnik works exceptionally well as a mixer. You can find something produced domestically that will blend well as a cocktail without breaking the bank.
You can browse for krupnik on the Instacart app to save time. When you find a krupnik you'd like to try, you can add it to your cart. Upon checkout, a shopper will shop your krupnik and have it ready for pickup in as little as 2 hours! In some cases, you'll qualify for same-day delivery.
Krupnik Near Me
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FAQs about krupnik
Krupnik's versatility makes it a solid addition to anyone's bar. When served straight, you can warm it like a mulled wine. You can also serve it at room temperature or chilled. Polish people always serve krupnik straight on Christmas Eve during their Wiglia, the traditional Polish Christmas vigil dinner.
Yes. As a mixer, krupnik scores high when you're searching for sweet and aromatic characteristics in your cocktail. You can riff on Margaritas with krupnik or mix up a batch of white Lithuanian, a play on the White Russian. You can keep it simple with a krupnik and soda or go classic with a Krupnik Boxcar, an equal blend of krupnik and bourbon with bitters and ginger ale.