Hey all,
I told BrewBear I'd post my recipe for strega the other day, and then promptly forgot! Sorry BB!
Anyhow, strega is an Italian Liqueur that has a nice anise flavour. Strega means "witch" in Italian btw.
6 Cardamon Pods
3 tsp Anise Seed
2 1/4 tsp Chopped Angelica Root (can be found at helath food stores)
3 Inch Stick Cinnamon
1 Clove
1/4 scant tsp Mace (I used a wee bit of allspice)
1 Fifth Vodka (about 1.6 cups -- 375 ml)
1 Cup sugar syrup
Remove the cardamom seeds from the pods; discard the pods and crush the seeds in a mortar. The anise seeds should also be worked for a few minutes in the mortar. Combine all ingredients except the sugar syrup in a large jar. Shake well and steep for one week. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth several times. Add the syrup and you are ready to enjoy.
Note: may be made with honey rather than the syrup - just clarify after letting it sit for a couple of months if you don't like the cloudiness.
I have yet to try it with the honey, but I just might now! It's very tasty, and doesnt last long in a house with two avowed liquorice fans.
I told BrewBear I'd post my recipe for strega the other day, and then promptly forgot! Sorry BB!
Anyhow, strega is an Italian Liqueur that has a nice anise flavour. Strega means "witch" in Italian btw.
6 Cardamon Pods
3 tsp Anise Seed
2 1/4 tsp Chopped Angelica Root (can be found at helath food stores)
3 Inch Stick Cinnamon
1 Clove
1/4 scant tsp Mace (I used a wee bit of allspice)
1 Fifth Vodka (about 1.6 cups -- 375 ml)
1 Cup sugar syrup
Remove the cardamom seeds from the pods; discard the pods and crush the seeds in a mortar. The anise seeds should also be worked for a few minutes in the mortar. Combine all ingredients except the sugar syrup in a large jar. Shake well and steep for one week. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth several times. Add the syrup and you are ready to enjoy.
Note: may be made with honey rather than the syrup - just clarify after letting it sit for a couple of months if you don't like the cloudiness.
I have yet to try it with the honey, but I just might now! It's very tasty, and doesnt last long in a house with two avowed liquorice fans.