Since ancient times horseradish infusion has been noted for its flawless flavor and healthy properties. By decree of Peter the Great, each and every farmstead had to keep a certain amount of this beverage to serve only hard labor workers and those working in the cold. This well-tried recipe will let you prepare a very savory drink.
Fresh root can be replaced with canned, dried or frozen horseradish. Although, this will make the liqueur less fragrant because semi-finished products lose some of their healthy properties and aroma.
Wheat vodka is perfect for ‘hrenovuha’ but you can also use moonshine or ethanol (diluted to %40-45) as alcohol base. Even mediocre moonshine can turn into an excellent drink after horseradish infusion.
Ingredients:
- Vodka (alcohol, moonshine) – 0.5 liter
- Liquid honey – 1 teaspoon
- Horseradish – 7-10 cm
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Wholegrain mustard – 1 teaspoon (optional)
Adding lemon juice and mustard makes the flavor milder.
Hrenovuha Recipe
- Peel and grate the horseradish.
- Mix the lemon juice, honey, and mustard in a glass bottle or container.
- Add vodka (moonshine or diluted alcohol), seal, and shake a few times.
- Let it infuse in a warm dark place for 4 days. Shake the container once a day.
- Filter the infusion through cheesecloth and strain through cotton wool. Then pour it into a glass vessel and seal. Homemade ‘hrenovuha’ should have a yellowish color and pleasant fragrant aroma.
Keep away from direct sunlight. Shelf-life in a sealed bottle is up to 2-3 years. 36-38% ABV.
Alternative Recipe of Hrenovuha with Honey
Instead of grating horseradish just peel it and cut into small pieces along with ginger roots. Put them into a glass container and pour over with vodka or moonshine. Then let it infuse in a warm dark place for about 5 days. After that, filter the infusion through cheesecloth and strain the pieces. Now pour off a glass of the infusion, dissolve 1 tablespoon of honey in it, and pour it back in. Let it mix in a dark place of another day or two. Once this is done you can bottle the drink for storing.
I suggest trying both of these recipes and picking the one you like the most.
How to Drink Hrenovuha
Serve ‘hrenovuha’ cold in shot glasses, empty them in one gulp. Hrenovuha is much milder than its closes relative—pepper vodka. The best chasers are meat products and kholodets (chicken jelly).
Here’s a fun fact: hrenovuha increases appetite. After drinking 20-30 ml of hrenovuha you’ll be ready to eat a horse. This liquor is a traditional Russian drink for feasts with a large variety of rich dishes.