View source for Krupnik

{{Short description|Alcoholic drink popular in Eastern Europe}}
{{other uses|Krupnik (disambiguation)}}
{{refimprove|date=August 2007}}
{{Infobox Beverage
|name=Krupnik
|image=File:2017 Likier miodowy Krupnik.jpg
|image_size=200px
|caption=Polish krupnik
|abv          = 38% and higher (commercial versions)
|type=[[Nalewka]]
|manufacturer=Various
|origin= [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]]
|introduced=16th century or earlier
|discontinued= 
|proof= 80–100 (commercial versions)
|related= [[List of vodkas]]
|variants= 
}}
'''Krupnik''' ([[Polish language|Polish]], [[Belarusian language|Belarusian]]) or '''Krupnikas''' ([[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]]) is a traditional sweet alcoholic drink similar to a [[liqueur]], based on grain spirit (usually [[vodka]]) and [[honey]], popular in [[Lithuania]] and [[Poland]]. In Poland it is grouped in the [[nalewka]] category of alcoholic beverages. Mass-produced versions of krupnik consist of 40–50% (80–100 proof) alcohol, but traditional versions will use 80–100% grain alcohol as the base. Honey, usually clover honey, is the main ingredient used to add sweetness, as well as up to 50 different herbs. There are many versions and some recipes have been passed down through generations; producers typically use their own recipes.<ref name=buffalokrupnik>{{cite web|url=http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2018/02/28/first-krupnik-distilled-in-buffalo|title=First Krupnik distilled in Buffalo to go on sale Saturday|first=Katie|last=Gibas|work=Spectrum News Buffalo|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref>  

At times, spicy seasonings and herbs are added for flavor. The brand of the honey and the ratio of seasonings are key factors which determine the final taste of krupnik. A mixture of the honey and spices is diluted, boiled and strained before being added to a vodka base.<ref name=buffalokrupnik/>
It may be served hot, at room temperature or chilled. A specific sort of krupnik which contains more herbs and less honey is brewed by [[Crimean Karaites|Karaims]].

"Krupnik" is also the brand name of a range of alcoholic beverages produced by the [[Belvédère (company)|Belvédère]] company, including krupnik, vodka, and various ''[[nalewka|nalewki]]''. In 2014, Krupnik vodka was the eighth most popular vodka brand in the world by sales volume.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drinksint.com/files/Mills_low_res_2014_combined4.pdf |title=The Millionaires Club |publisher=www.drinksint.com |date=2014 |access-date=2020-03-18}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151019074454/http://en.recidemia.com:80/wiki/Krupnikas Krupnikas recipe on Recidemia]

{{Honey-based alcoholic drinks}}
{{Vodkas}}{{Alcoholic drinks}}
[[Category:Herbal liqueurs]]
[[Category:Honey liqueurs and spirits]]
[[Category:Polish liqueurs]]
[[Category:Polish vodkas]]