Ukrainian vodka, often infused with honey and chilli. Distilling has been recorded in Ukrainian lands since the fifteenth century, and horilka is central to hospitality — a guest is not properly welcomed without it.
Distilling is illegal without a licence, and rectification to vodka strength needs a column that has no domestic equivalent.
What goes into it
- rye or wheat
- yeast
- water
How it is made
Grain is mashed and fermented, then distilled repeatedly — in a modern plant through a rectification column — to strip out almost everything but ethanol and water. It is filtered and cut with soft water to strength. As with any vodka it is defined by what has been removed rather than what has been added.
How long it takes: days to ferment and rectify; no ageing
How it is eaten
Ice cold in small glasses with salo, black bread and pickles.
History
Ukrainian grain spirit; distilling has been recorded in Ukrainian lands since the fifteenth century and horilka is central to hospitality.
Frequently asked questions
What is Horilka?
Horilka is a wine & spirit from Ukraine: ukrainian vodka, often infused with honey and chili. Ukrainian grain spirit; distilling has been recorded in Ukrainian lands since the fifteenth century and horilka is central to hospitality.
How is Horilka made?
Grain is mashed and fermented, then distilled repeatedly — in a modern plant through a rectification column — to strip out almost everything but ethanol and water. It is filtered and cut with soft water to strength. As with any vodka it is defined by what has been removed rather than what has been added. It takes days to ferment and rectify; no ageing.
Can I make Horilka at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Distilling is illegal without a licence, and rectification to vodka strength needs a column that has no domestic equivalent.
What goes into Horilka?
Rye or wheat, yeast, water.
How is Horilka eaten?
Ice cold in small glasses with salo, black bread and pickles.
