This is a sweet, very potent beverage that can be found at Lithuanian festivals and Lithuanian social clubs in Baltimore. They usually pronounce it 'VIT-a-tis'. Viryta is usually homemade by descendants of Lithuanian immigrants, using recipes that have been handed down through the generations, and is a popular commodity around the holidays. It took me years to finally get someone to teach me how to make it; most of the people around Baltimore who make it are very secretive about their family recipes! I'd probably catch an earful if she knew I posted it online!
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1 orange
- 1 pound honey
- 3.5 cups bottled water
- 3 cups white sugar
- 3 tablespoons caraway seeds
- 25 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 pintss 190 proof grain alcohol
Instructions
-
1
Peel orange and lemon in a circular motion in a large strip. Place peels in a warm, dry area to dry for 24 hours.
-
2
Stir honey, 1 cup water, sugar, caraway seeds, cloves, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg together in a large pot; bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. Add dried orange and lemon peels to honey mixture; continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
-
3
Remove from heat; discard fruit peels. Stir grain alcohol and remaining 2 1/2 cups water into honey mixture. Transfer mixture to a glass container and tightly cover with a lid. Place in a cool location out of direct sunlight and let set, gently swirling container every few days, for 1 week.
-
4
Strain mixture through double-layered cheesecloth to remove sediment. Pour liqueur into bottles or decanters and seal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
Want to cook this?
Open in the PantryLink app to scale servings, check your pantry stock, and generate a shopping list.
Sign In to Save Recipe Create Free AccountPrefer a printed copy? Use our print-friendly view with adjustable servings and font size.
Open Print ViewMore Unknown Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Totchos
This recipe for crispy totchos — nachos made with tater tots — features bite-sized tater tot pieces piled high with Buffalo chicken and cheese for a "nacho" experience your friends and family will love!
Steakhouse au Gratin Potatoes
These super creamy and rich restaurant-style potatoes will be gobbled up fast. They are excellent as leftovers warmed up in the microwave with eggs and bacon the next day. They are not a light or low-fat dish. Save this for a special occasion.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili
My friend Keni's love of smoky chipotle peppers inspired this chili recipe. It comes together easily in the slow cooker and is a unique chili that always stands out. It is a spicy yet mellow chili that gives a kick without the lingering burn, like many chilis do.