Mint Plum Brandy (Palinca)

Mint, an aromatic plant with therapeutic properties and an unmistakable fragrance, is the main ingredient of this simple yet delicious recipe. We begin by carefully washing the mint leaves, using several waters to remove impurities and pesticides. It is important to ensure that the leaves are clean and fresh, as the quality of the ingredient will influence the final drink. After washing the mint, we let it drain in a sieve or on a clean towel to remove excess water.

Once the mint is well drained, we turn our attention to a clean bottle, ideally made of dark glass, to protect the contents from direct light. We place the mint leaves in the bottle, then add honey, which will provide natural sweetness and a pleasant taste. It is recommended to use quality honey, preferably local, to enhance the flavors. Over the honey, we pour tuica, a traditional Romanian spirit, which will create a perfect alcoholic base for our infusion.

After adding all the ingredients, we tightly close the bottle with a sealed cap and shake it vigorously. It is important to mix well so that the honey completely dissolves in the tuica. After completing this step, the bottle is placed in a cool, dark place, preferably in the pantry, where it can macerate for about two weeks. During this period, it is good to shake the bottle from time to time, "out of nerves," as we say, to help dissolve the honey and allow the flavors to blend.

After the two weeks of waiting, it is time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. We will transfer the contents of the bottle to another bottle, filtering it if we wish to remove the mint leaves, leaving only the aromatic liquid. This slightly minty and sweet drink is perfect to be enjoyed before a meal, stimulating the appetite and providing a unique tasting experience. At the moment of serving, we raise the glass and toast to the health of our loved ones, wishing them Happy New Year, filled with health and joy! This recipe is not just a simple drink, but a way to bring together tradition and the pleasure of taste.

 Ingredients: 2 liters of plum brandy (about 50 degrees there ;) ) 12 sprigs of fresh mint 200 ml of honey (this is optional)

 Tags:  honey plum gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes