HOT SPICED HORYLKA (VODKA)

[Olga Drozd]

HOT SPICED HORYLKA (VODKA):

For centuries varenukha" --which means "boiled"--was the favored tipple of the fearsome Cossacks, fueling their warrior bodies by day and making them merry by night. It should be served warm.

3 tablespoons honey
1 liter vodka (4 cups)
3 ounces dried pears
3 ounces dried apples
3 ounces dried prunes
1 piece (1 inch) cinnamon stick
1 piece (1/2 inch) fresh ginger
4 white peppercorns

In an nonreactive saucepan, combine the vodka and honey and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the honey.

Preheat the oven to 125 degrees F.

Select an oven proof pot with a very tight-fitting lid. Pour the vodka in it and add the dried fruit and the spices. Bake for about 5 hours.

Strain thoroughly and transfer to a bottle. Serve slightly warm. Makes 1 quart.