Spotykach drink is often confused with Polish nalewka, but these drinks have different technologies and taste. Spotykach is sweeter, thicker and has a richer flavor. It’s a classic dessert liqueur, which can be made at home. The method described below can be used for any berries and fruits, but the blackcurrant recipe is considered traditional.
Using only large ripe berries is recommended because they contain more juice, thus squeezing it out will be much easier. Vodka can be replaced with ethanol diluted to 40-45% ABV. We are about to prepare a sweet dessert drink that’s why we’re better off not using moonshine, as it adds an unpleasant taste, which can only be fixed by adding more sugar–something you definitely want to avoid.
Blackcurrants aside, Spotykach can also be made from raspberries, cranberries, plums, and chokeberries.
Ingredients:
- Blackcurrants – 1 kilo
- Vodka – 750 ml
- Water – 3 cups
- Sugar – 1 kilo
Blackcurrant Spotykach Recipe
- Crush washed and dried berries. Put the pulp on a cheesecloth or thick fabric and squeeze the juice from it.
- Pour water into a cooking pot, add sugar and stir with a spoon. Place on heat and bring to a boil. During the cooking process, the sugar syrup will produce a white foam which should be removed. Cook until thick.
- Add blackcurrant juice to the sugar syrup, bring to a boil, and take off the stove.
- Add vodka and stir.
- Place the pot over low heat, simmer, while constantly stirring until the mixture gets thick. Don’t bring it to a boil!
- Your homemade Spotykach is ready. Just cool it down to room temperature and then bottle and seal it. After 1-2 days it’s okay to drink. Better stored in a fridge or cellar. Shelf-life: 4-5 years. 15-20% ABV.
