Erofeich tincture - recipe

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Erofeich tincture, the recipes of which we will consider below, is one of the first specific and outstanding drinks in Russia. The exact date of the start of production of this particular product is unknown. Many “specialists” and moonshiners argue around the correct recipe, passing off various compositions as a classic drink. Let's try to figure out what the truth is.

History of Creation

The first recipe for the tincture "Erofeich" is associated by many sources with a certain barber and an esculapius with a patronymic name Erofeevich. His exact name is unknown, but there is a hypothesis that the healer cured Count Orlov of stomach pains with the help of a herbal drink. After that, the barber received an unlimited right to produce such elixirs. There is a second version, according to which the name comes from the name of a large wine merchant V. Erofeich. Many followers consider it more authentic.

Usually, private distilleries were located in the landowners' estates. Technologyproduction was not particularly developed, there were no beer columns, and therefore the purity of the product was achieved by repeated distillation and various tricks, adding elements that tint the drink. For some manufacturers, alcohol showed a degree of strength of 80–85 degrees, and diluting the drink was considered barbaric, since all the work and efforts went down the drain. The liquid was drunk in its original form, and the fortress was reduced with spices, herbs and roots.

General information

Erofeich tincture made according to the classic recipe is an aperitif. Saturated with essential oils and a very strong drink, they usually drank in an amount of no more than 2-3 shots. As an appetizer, game, meat, soup or cold appetizers were served. In the process of eating, they could continue drinking, but already of another alcohol, which was in abundance.

The fact that the tincture in question is moonshine infused with herbs is indisputable. How many times do you need to distill the wort, is it possible to use alcohol or vodka as a base? Let's try to understand this further, and also study some of the most popular recipes.

Standard Manufacturing Principles

It is unlikely that today anyone would dare to drink 80-degree liquid. Modern recipes for tincture "Erofeich" involve the use of moonshine, vodka or diluted alcohol as the basis. The optimal strength of the product is 50-60 degrees. Traditionally, no sugar is added, replacing it with sweet ingredients (honey, raisins, dried fruits).

No consensus onabout what is the main herbal component of the drink. The famous distiller Pokhlebkin suggested that it was ginseng root. Culinary specialist E. Molokhovets attributes this role to Kalgan. On Wikipedia, you can find information that it is St. John's wort, anise or "black mullein".

The answer to this disagreement is quite simple. There is no classic recipe for this drink. The name generalizes a number of strong alcohol-based tinctures with spices and herbs. The final ingredients depend on the region of production. Below are a few recipes for tincture "Erofeich" on moonshine. Proportions are indicated based on one liter of strong base (50-60 degrees). If you want to make a large volume of the product, initially prepare a concentrate from one liter, adding it gradually, bringing it to the desired volume. The drink is infused for 14 days in a warm place, it should first be filtered.

Erofeich tincture: recipes from 1863

The following are old recipes given in one of the first cookbooks, authored by E. Molokhovets. Recall that the components are taken based on one liter of moonshine:

• centaury - 5 g;
• thyme - 5g;
• galangal - 8 g;
• peppermint - 5g;
• yarrow - 5g;

The second option is also mentioned in the film "The Young Lady-Peasant Woman" by the hero Kuravlev. To many, it may seem too saturated, but there are no comrades for the taste and color:

• peppermint - 30g;
• anise - 30 g;
• orange nuts ordried orange peels - 15 g.

Erofeich tincture with mint

For this recipe, one liter of alcohol base will require (weight in grams):

• melissa officinalis - 2, 5;
• peppermint - 2, 5;
• melilot - 1;
• thyme - 1;
• St. John's wort - 2;
• white letter - 1;
• wormwood - 1;
• oregano - 2, 5;
• garden marjoram - 1;
• crushed hawthorn berries - 1, 5;
• cardamom - 0, 5;
• anise - 0, 5.

Recipes with galangal and wormwood

Next, we will consider two ways to prepare the “Erofeich” tincture on moonshine with the ingredients indicated in the subheading (weight - in grams).

Option 1:

• galangal root - 20;
• wormwood - 3, 5;
• senna - 3, 5;
• angelica root - 3, 5;
• chamomile - 3, 5;
• juniper - 3, 5;
• peony root - 3, 5.

The last component can be replaced with yellow toffee root, which will give the drink a light violet flavor.

Option 2:

• shredded galangal root - 10;
• wormwood - 3;
• anise - 3;
• dill seeds - 3;
• sage - 3;
• shamrock - 3.

Since wormwood is a very specific element, it is better to add it in a smaller dose.

Two recipes with St. John's wort

Here the composition is quite simple. You need to take five grams of the following ingredients:

• St. John's wort;
• mint;
• melilot;
• centaury;
• thyme (or thyme).

Second option (weight in grams):

• St. John's wort - 50;
• galangal root - 80;
• mint - 50;
• savory (not thyme) - 50;
• centaudio - 50;
• melilot - 50;
• kidney grass - 50.

Three more original recipes

All the useful properties of the "Erofeich" tincture are manifested precisely thanks to a variety of herbs. The main thing is to use the finished product in moderation, after consulting with your doctor.

Ginger recipe (weight in grams):

• chopped ginger root - 10;
• anise - 4;
• chicory - 4;
• dill - 4;
• kidney grass - 4;
• juniper - 4;
• thyme - 4;
• wormwood - 4;
• St. John's wort - 4;
• sage - 2, 5;
• senna - 2, 5.

Poppy tincture (take five grams of the indicated ingredients):

• poppy seeds;
• dill;
• sage;
• shamrock;
• chernobyl;
• anise.

A complex recipe based on galangal (cinquefoil), weight is indicated in grams:

• galangal root - 10;
• meli clover - 6;
• thyme - 6;
• centaury - 6;
• Highlander - 6;
• dill - 3, 5;
• juniper - 3, 5;
• sage - 3, 5;
• Chernobyl - 3, 5;
• anise - 3, 5;
• angelica - 3, 5;
• chamomile - 3, 5.

Recommendations

In all the presented recipes for tincture "Erofeich" there is a rather large combination of components. Connoisseurs recommend that when preparing large volumes, first make a concentrate on one liter of alcohol base. In order not to spoil the drink, gradually pour it into the total mass. If necessary, the drink can be distilled again through a moonshine still or diluted.

For the correct preparation of tinctures proceed as follows:

1. All prepared components are placed in a glass jar, poured with an alcohol composition (moonshine).
2. The container is sealed very tightly to prevent air from entering.
3. The product is sent to a dark warm place, infused for 14 days, periodically shaking the contents.
4. After aging, the finished drink is carefully filtered through several layers of gauze. This will eliminate pieces of spices and herbs, including the smallest particles.
5. If the product is too bitter, add a few tablespoons of honey and insist for another three days.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients, because "Erofeich" is a rather specific and purely individual tincture. There will be no particular trouble if you decide to remove or add any minor component. Do not abuse this drink, due to the high saturation of medicinal herbs. The recommended dose is no more than 100-150 grams before meals.

What do foodies say?

Connoisseurs of strong drinks in the reviews of the tincture "Erofeich" indicateon its specific compositions and unique notes in taste and aroma. Experts advise that if you do not know what this or that component looks like, consult knowledgeable people or purchase the ingredient at a pharmacy or other specialized institutions.

Result

Each state has its own national drinks. In Russia, in addition to moonshine, it is also an alcoholic tincture on herbs and roots, known under the name "Erofeich". The peculiarities of this drink include the fact that it quickly became popular, and for a long time remained an ornament at the feasts of the nobles and their entourage. Fortunately, this unique product has not lost the features of its original recipe over the long years of existence, and now you can cook it yourself at home without any problems.