A brandy-based liqueur flavoured with naartjie peel and spices, made at the Cape since the eighteenth century when Dutch settlers copied curaçao using the local citrus instead of the Caribbean one.
The modern bottling is a proprietary commercial formulation matured in oak, built on a brandy base that cannot be distilled without a licence.
What goes into it
- Cape brandy
- naartjie peel
- nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves
- sugar
- sometimes rooibos
How it is made
Naartjie peel and whole spices are macerated in brandy for weeks, the extract blended with sugar syrup and rested, and the whole then matured in oak before bottling. The modern product is a commercial formulation with its own spice bill; the eighteenth-century version was a household one.
How long it takes: weeks of maceration, then months in oak
How it is eaten
Neat after dinner, over ice, or in a Van der Hum and cream.
History
Made at the Cape since the eighteenth century, when Dutch settlers copied curaçao using the local naartjie citrus.
Frequently asked questions
What is Van der Hum?
Van der Hum is a wine & spirit from South Africa: brandy-based liqueur flavoured with naartjie peel and spices. Made at the Cape since the eighteenth century, when Dutch settlers copied curaçao using the local naartjie citrus.
How is Van der Hum made?
Naartjie peel and whole spices are macerated in brandy for weeks, the extract blended with sugar syrup and rested, and the whole then matured in oak before bottling. The modern product is a commercial formulation with its own spice bill; the eighteenth-century version was a household one. It takes weeks of maceration, then months in oak.
Can I make Van der Hum at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. The modern bottling is a proprietary commercial formulation matured in oak, built on a brandy base that cannot be distilled without a licence.
What goes into Van der Hum?
Cape brandy, naartjie peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, sugar, sometimes rooibos.
How is Van der Hum eaten?
Neat after dinner, over ice, or in a Van der Hum and cream.
