Cookbook:Boilo (Hot Spiced Citrus Whiskey)

Boilo is a traditional Yuletide drink of the north-eastern United States, specifically Pennsylvania. It is a type of whiskey-based liqueur made with oranges, lemons, sugar and various different spices such as cinnamon. Recipes vary and may include nutmeg, cloves, caraway seed and aniseed.

Ingredients

 * 2 medium-large oranges
 * 2 lemons
 * 1 small box (about 1½ oz / 40 g) raisins
 * 8 oz (220 g) honey
 * 12 oz (355 ml) whiskey or more to taste
 * ½–1 teaspoon each of any or all of these spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, caraway seed, aniseed

Procedure

 * 1) Peel the oranges and lemons. Cut up the fruit and squeeze them into a crock pot. A garlic press or potato-ricer works, or some kind of juicer or fruit squeezer. Put the remaining fruit pulp into the crock pot as well.
 * 2) Add the raisins, honey, and spices. Stir. Do not add whiskey yet!
 * 3) Start the crock pot, and let the mixture cook for about 2–4 hours. Stir occasionally. It's complete when the fruit pulp gets cooked down.
 * 4) Strain into a pitcher. Mash down the fruit in the strainer to get all the liquid.
 * 5) Add the whiskey to the pitcher and stir. If you cook the whiskey, even for a short time, the alcohol will start to evaporate. Taste, and add more whiskey to your liking.
 * 6) Serve hot in shot glasses, espresso cups, or coffee mugs. After the first round, each individual serving can be reheated in the microwave.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Use a whiskey that is at least 80 proof (40% alcohol).