Strawberry Nalewka (Polish Strawberry Liqueur)

Mmmmm… That's probably the first thing that comes to mind when I think of this nalewka (a Polish homemade fruit liqueur). I made it for the first time, but definitely not the last. The jar of maturing nalewka just sits there, tempting me with its color and aroma. So much so that a little has already disappeared from the jar, even though it still has a dozen or so days of aging left. I really encourage you to make it, but go straight for a double batch, because next summer is a long way off.

strawberry nalewka

The recipe comes from the recipe archive of Mniamniam.pl, submitted by kaaamilaaa. I'm so glad I found it.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg ripe strawberries
• 250 g sugar (I used half cane sugar)
• 0.5 l rectified spirit (spirytus)
• 1 lime or lemon
• optionally, grated lemon/lime zest

Wash the strawberries and hull them, then cover them with the sugar. When they release their juice, put them in a jar and pour in the spirit mixed with 1 cup of water. Seal the jar tightly and set it aside for 6 weeks (I recommend hiding it so it doesn't tempt you). After that time, strain it and pour the juice into a bottle, then add the lime juice and, optionally, the zest. Set aside for 2 weeks, then filter and set aside for another 3 months.

Enjoy!