How I Learned to Make Viryta Honey Liqueur (And Why It’s Such a Big Deal)
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Explore the secrets of Viryta, a golden honey liqueur that brings warmth to every sip. I’ll show you how to transform simple ingredients into this traditional Lithuanian spirit that’s sure to become your new favorite homemade treat.
Cocktails Bring People Together
This year, we met a new couple, and it felt like an instant connection. Deirdre and I found so much in common (especially our taste in cocktails), and our husbands hit it off too.
One day, while chatting about my cocktail blog, Deirdre asked, “Have you ever heard of Viryta?”
I hadn’t. She explained it was a Lithuanian honey liqueur her family called Virytas, and before I knew it, we were invited over to try some.
The moment I tasted it, I fell in love. The smooth, warm honey flavor wrapped in spices with a slight burn at the end was unforgettable.
I just knew I had to learn how to make it and share it with you!
The Viryta Creating Experience
I had no idea what I was getting into. Making Viryta is no small feat—it’s an investment in time, effort, and yes, even money.
But the process is as much about the experience as the result.
We gathered the ingredients: honey, grain alcohol (Everclear), and an incredible array of spices and fruits. One Saturday, the four of us—Deirdre, our husbands, and I—rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
The preparation was intense, requiring hours to combine and carefully simmer the ingredients. We were each making our own batches so there was extra work.
The aroma of Viryta cooking down was intoxicatingly warm and inviting. The ginger brought a zesty, sharp brightness, while the orange added a sweet citrusy warmth that rounded out the bold spices.
Together, they created a symphony of scents that filled the kitchen with cozy, festive cheer. There may have been cocktails involved as well to pass the time!
We regrouped the next day for the hardest part: straining out the citrus and spice pieces to achieve that perfect, filtered liqueur. This was the first strain.
Two weeks later we did our second strain, followed by another one two more weeks later. We then used the special bottles we bought for this occasion.
Let me tell you, it took forever, but the reward was worth it—a beautiful, golden liquid with a complex and delicious flavor.
What Makes Viryta Special?
Viryta (pronounced “VIT-a-tis”) is deeply rooted in Lithuanian heritage, the recipes have been handed down for generations.
This recipe was very well guarded until the day of the internet. Since then the recipe has been shared openly.
It is so good that it is a perfect gift for friends and family alike.
Taste and Use
The result is a sweet and potent spirit with rich honey and spice flavors—think cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla. It’s perfect neat, chilled, or as part of a cocktail or in tea. Many consider it the ultimate warming drink for a cold evening.
Perfect Glassware for tasting
Buy Now → Virata’s Cultural Significance
Like Krupnikas, its Polish counterpart, Viryta is steeped in tradition. While Krupnikas is a smoother liqueur with vodka as a base, Viryta’s grain alcohol foundation makes it stronger.
Both are tied to celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings, but Viryta stands out for its potency and the secrecy surrounding its recipes (maybe that is why there are so many variations).
Why Is Viryta A Big Deal?
This blend of tradition, effort, and flavor is what makes Viryta so special. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a labor of love, a connection to heritage, and a perfect way to bring people together.
Viryta Honey Liqueur
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Pot Large
- 1 Strainer
- 12 12 oz Swing Top Glass Bottles
Ingredients
- 10 each Cardamom Seeds
- 1/2 each Nutmeg Seeds
- 2 tsp Caraway Seed
- 10 whole Cloves
- 10 whole Allspice Berries
- 4 each Cinnamon Sticks 3" Sticks
- 2 tsp Peppercorns (whole)
- 1 pinch Saffron Threads (Crushed)
- 2 each Ginger Root (1" pieces)
- 2 each Turmeric (Yellow Ginger) 1" pieces)
- 3 strips Orange Zest (Large slices)
- 3 strips Lemon Zest (Large Slices)
- 4 cups Water
- 2 pounds Pure Honey (Locally sourced is always best)
- 1 each Vanilla Bean (Large)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure)
- 32 oz Everclear (190 proof Grain Alcohol)
Instructions
- Start by cracking your cardamom seeds and nutmeg and place them in a saucepan.
- Add caraway seed, cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, saffron, ginger, turmeric, orange, and lemon zests into the saucepan.
- Now add water and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat then simmer until liquid is reduced by half.
- Strain out all of the spices and set aside.
- Now get out a large pot and pour honey in.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim off any foam from the top.
- Now stir in strained liquid from above and place your vanilla bean and vanilla extract.
- Remove from heat and stir in your Everclear.
- Put the pot back on the stove and cook over low heat with the cover on it.
- Heat to warm for about 15 minutes but don't boil or simmer.
- Let stand overnight with the lid on.
- The next day strain your liquid using a cheesecloth or coffee filter and pour it into bottles with lids.
- Let sit for two weeks and then repeat the straining process.
- Let it sit for two more weeks and strain one more time.
- Serve neat, over ice, or in a cup of tea.
Swing Top Glass Bottles
Buy Now → Time To Raise A Glass To This Delicious Recipe
Making Viryta has deepened my appreciation for the craft of liqueur-making and the cultural richness it represents. Whether you’re a fan of warm, spiced drinks or curious about new flavors, Viryta is a must-try—especially in the winter months.
If you ever get the chance to taste it or, better yet, make it yourself, don’t pass it up.
Cheers from all of us at Next Cocktails to keeping traditions alive, one sip at a time!
Make sure to pick up my Cocktail Journal to save this recipe and all of your other favorites!
Mixology Moments Cocktail Recipe Journal
Buy Now →P.S. Have you ever tried Viryta or Krupnikas? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment or share your favorite recipe.
