The tincture “Erofeich”, the recipes of which will be considered later, belongs to one of the first specific and outstanding drinks in Russia. The exact start date for the production of this particular product is unknown. Around the correct recipe, many “experts” and moonshiners argue, passing off various formulations as a classic drink. Let's try to figure out what the truth is.
History of creation
Many sources associate the first recipe for the Erofeich tincture with a certain barber and aesculapius with the patronymic of Erofeevich. His exact name is unknown, but there is a hypothesis that the healer cured Count Orlov of the stomach pains precisely with the help of a drink from herbs. After that, the barber received an unlimited right to issue such elixirs. There is a second version, according to which the name comes from the name of a major wine merchant V. Erofeich. Many followers consider it more reliable.
Usually private distilleries were located on landowners' estates. The production technology was not particularly developed, there were no mash columns, and therefore the purity of the product was achieved by repeated distillation and various tricks, adding elements that tinted 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 efforts and efforts were gone. They drank the liquid in its original form, and the fortress was reduced by spices, herbs and roots.
general information
The 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 piles. As an appetizer, game, meat, soup or cold snacks served. In the process of eating, they could continue drinking, but of another alcohol, of which there was an abundance.
The fact that the tincture in question is moonshine infused with herbs is indisputable. How many times does it take to distill the wort, can alcohol or vodka be used as a base? We will try to figure this out further, and also study some of the most popular recipes.
Standard manufacturing principles
It is unlikely that today anyone will dare to drink 80-degree liquid. Modern recipes of the Erofeich tincture suggest the use of moonshine, vodka or diluted alcohol as the basis. The optimal strength of the product is 50-60 degrees. Traditionally, sugar is not added, replacing it with sweet ingredients (honey, raisins, dried fruits).
There is no consensus on what the main herbal component of the drink is. The famous distillery Pokhlebkin suggested that this is the root of ginseng. Culinary specialist E. Molokhovets attributes this role to Kalgan. In Wikipedia you can find information that it is St. John's wort, anise or "black mullein".
The answer to this disagreement is quite simple. The classic recipe for this drink does not exist. The name summarizes a number of strong alcohol-based tinctures with spices and herbs. Final ingredients vary by region. Below are some recipes for the tincture of “Erofeich” on moonshine. Proportions are indicated per one liter of strong base (50-60 degrees). If you want to make a large volume of the product, initially prepare a concentrate of one liter, adding it gradually, bringing to the desired volume. The drink is infused for 14 days in a warm place, it should first be filtered.
Tincture "Erofeich": recipes of 1863
Below are ancient recipes listed 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 - 5 g;
- Kalgan - 8 g;
- peppermint - 5 g;
- yarrow - 5 g;
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 - 30 g;
- anise - 30 g;
- orange nuts or dried orange peels - 15 g.
Tincture "Erofeich" with mint
For this recipe, one liter of alcohol base is required (weight is indicated in grams):
- Melissa officinalis - 2.5;
- peppermint - 2.5;
- sweet clover - 1;
- thyme - 1;
- St. John's wort - 2;
- white bead - 1;
- wormwood - 1;
- oregano - 2.5;
- garden marjoram - 1;
- chopped hawthorn berries - 1.5;
- cardamom - 0.5;
- anise - 0.5.
Recipes with galangal and wormwood
Next, we consider two ways of preparing the Erofeich tincture on moonshine with the ingredients indicated in the subtitle (weight - in grams).
Option number 1:
- Kalgan 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 by the root of yellow iris, which will give the drink a violet light aroma.
Option number 2:
- crushed galangal root - 10;
- wormwood - 3;
- anise - 3;
- dill seeds - 3;
- sage - 3;
- trefoil - 3.
Since wormwood is a very specific element, it is better to add it in a smaller dose.
Two recipes with hypericum
Here the composition is quite simple. You need to take five grams of the following components:
- St. John's wort
- mint;
- clover;
- centaury;
- thyme (or thyme).
The second option (weight in grams):
- St. John's wort - 50;
- Kalgan root - 80;
- mint - 50;
- savory (not thyme) - 50;
- centaury - 50;
- sweet clover - 50;
- grass of grass - 50.
Three more original recipes
All the beneficial 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.
Recipe with ginger (weight in grams):
- chopped ginger root - 10;
- anise - 4;
- chicory - 4;
- dill - 4;
- grass; 4;
- juniper - 4;
- thyme - 4;
- wormwood - 4;
- St. John's wort - 4;
- sage - 2.5;
- Senna - 2.5.
Tincture with poppy seeds (taken in five grams of the specified ingredients):
- poppy seeds;
- dill;
- sage;
- shamrock;
- Chernobyl
- anise.
A complex recipe, based on galangal (cinquefoil), weight is indicated in grams:
- Kalgan root - 10;
- sweet 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, Erofeich tinctures have a rather large combination of components. Connoisseurs recommend preparing large volumes of pre-made 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 the moonshine or diluted.
For proper preparation of tinctures, proceed as follows:
- All prepared components are placed in a glass jar, pour alcohol composition (moonshine).
- The container is very tightly sealed to prevent air penetration.
- The product is sent to a dark, warm place, insist 14 days, periodically shaking the contents.
- After exposure, the finished drink is carefully filtered through several layers of gauze. This will eliminate pieces of spices and herbs, including the smallest particles.
- If the product is overly bitter, add a few tablespoons of honey and insist for another three days.
You should not be afraid to experiment with ingredients, since Erofeich is a rather specific and purely individual tincture. There will not be much 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 not more than 100-150 grams before meals.
What do gourmets say?
Connoisseurs of spirits in reviews of the tincture “Erofeich” indicate 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 in a pharmacy or other specialized institutions.
Total
Each state has its own national drinks. In Russia, in addition to moonshine, it is also an alcohol tincture on herbs and roots, known under the name Erofeich. The peculiarities of this drink include the fact that it quickly became popular, for a long time it remained an ornament at the feasts of the nobles and their entourage. Fortunately, this unique product over the long years of existence has not lost the features of its original recipe; it can now be prepared on your own at home without any problems.