Piołunówka
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Piołunówka is a very bitter alcoholic infusion made by macerating wormwood in alcohol with other herbs like anise, dill, cardamom, marjoram, coriander, pepper etc. Its name comes from "piołun" which means "wormwood" in Polish. It is becoming popular due to the recent absinthe revival. It differs from absinthe because it is macerated where as absinthe is additionally distilled. Piołunówka is not simply an amateur's version of absinthe. It is a beverage known for centuries in Europe, believed by some to protect from cholera. For centuries wormwood based elixirs have been used as digestive aids and disease preventatives.
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[edit] Thujone
Piołunowka has much higher levels of thujone than absinthe because it is not distilled. The exact level of thujone is not known and can vary with the amount and quality of wormwood used and the production methods. Many people produce it today to try and feel the 'absinthe effect' because of its higher thujone levels although it is now known thujone plays little to no role in these purported effects.
[edit] Availability
Although piołunówka is very hard to find anywhere in the world, all the ingredients are easily obtainable at any herb store and very cheap. It is also very easy to make.
[edit] Recipes
The recipes vary widely, most probably because Piołunówka was never produced on a large scale but only at home in small amounts. The only thing that all recipes have in common is wormwood and alcohol. One who would like to make Piołunówka should follow these steps:
- Ingredients: Wormwood, Rectified spirit or Everclear (50% Vodka should suffice too) and other herbs to your liking. Most popular are Anise, Dill, Cardamom, Marjoram and Coriander, but some like to add honey, vanilla, raisins, mint, lemons or even black tea. The basic mass proportion of Alcohol to wormwood is 10:1, but this can be increased for less bitter taste even up to 20:1
- Maceration: Put all the herbs in a clean vessel and pour the alcohol in. Tightly close the vessel and put in a dark place for 10-14 days.
- Filtering: Filter the mixture through gauze or coffee filter. This should produce a green and probably misty liquid.
- The Final Touch: If everclear or Rectified spirit were used it can be dilute with water or vodka to taste, making a 50%-80% alcoholic solution. Making it less alcoholic than 50% is highly discouraged. Candied sugar can be added as well.
Not every herb mentioned here should be added to a single batch. To be sure not to end up with an undrinkable "thing" use 10 parts of Rectified spirit, 1 part Wormwood and 1 part Anise. It won't have the richest bouquet, but you can decide how to improve it after you make and consume your first bottle.
In Poland alcoholic infusions are usually served in small 50ml glasses.
