LIQUEURS

LIQUEURS

Kümmel-Anise

¼ cup caraway seeds (kümmel)

1 tbsp. anise seed

Zest of one lemon

2 tsp. sugar to taste (optional)

1 quart vodka

Anise-Orange

¼ cup anise seed

Zest of two small oranges

1 clove

1½ inch cinnamon stick

Sugar to taste

1 quart vodka

Combine the first four ingredients and steep for one week or more. It is ready when all the seeds have sunk to the bottom. Stain through a seive; allow to settle, then strain through cheesecloth once or twice.

Note: Any proportion of caraway to anise may be used, or all one or all the other. Be aware, however, that caraway has a much stronger flavor than anise. I use the cheapest 100-proof vodka. There is no point in paying more for the vodka, as its taste is overpowered by the spices. This recipe makes a very fiery liqueur that may not be to everyone’s taste. Sugar syrup, or water and sugar, may be added to taste.

100-proof vodka can also be added in equal measures to “Triple Sec.” The latter is over-priced, and overly sweet at the same time as it is weak and insipid. The addition of vodka reduces the cost, and cuts the sweetness without in the least diminishing the taste.

Banana

Two bananas, a little sugar, and a piece of vanilla bean to a fifth of vodka.

Kummel

PERIOD: Modern | SOURCE: Contemporary Recipe | CLASS: Not Authentic

DESCRIPTION: A caraway cordial

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• 4 2 Tsp. caraway seed
• 1 3 tsp. fennel seed
• [1 tsp. aniseseed]
• 1 1/2 tsp. powdered cumin[seed]
• 1 cup sugar syrup:
• combine 2 parts sugar to 1 part water. Bring to a boil, then cool.
• 1 fifth 100-proof vodka

Bruise or slightly crush the caraway and fennel seeds and add with the cumin to the vodka in a glass container. Cover and let stand 1 1/2 weeks. Strain through a cheese cloth. Add sugar syrup and let stand until clear.