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Boilo

Olivia Reid
Boilo is a traditional spiced honey liqueur from Pennsylvania’s Coal Region, perfect for holiday celebrations. This warming drink combines fresh citrus, aromatic spices, honey, and alcohol for a festive treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Holiday Drink
Servings 18 people
Calories 687 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oranges quartered
  • 3 lemons quartered
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 4 ½ pounds clover honey
  • 6 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • ½ tsp whole allspice berries
  • ½ tsp whole cloves
  • ½ gallon 190-proof grain alcohol or whiskey, vodka, or bourbon
  • 4 cups water

Instructions
 

  • Wash and quarter the oranges and lemons.
  • In a large pot, combine water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves.
  • Add the oranges, lemons, raisins, cinnamon sticks, caraway seeds, allspice berries, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain the liquid into another container.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the alcohol. Stir gently to combine.
  • Pour into bottles and refrigerate. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Alcohol Options:
    • While 190-proof grain alcohol is traditional, you can substitute it with whiskey, bourbon, or vodka for a milder flavor. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
  2. Sweetness Level:
    • If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of honey. Start with 3 pounds and adjust to taste.
  3. Spice Variations:
    • Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or star anise for a unique twist.
  4. Non-Alcoholic Version:
    • Omit the alcohol and replace it with additional water or fruit juice for a family-friendly version.
  5. Raisins:
    • Don’t skip the raisins! They add a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the drink.
  6. Serving Temperature:
    • Boilo is best served warm. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
  7. Storage:
    • Store Boilo in sealed bottles or jars in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks.
  8. Gift Idea:
    • Bottled Boilo makes a thoughtful and unique holiday gift. Add a festive label or ribbon for a personal touch.
  9. Scaling the Recipe:
    • This recipe makes a large batch (18 servings). Halve the ingredients if you want a smaller quantity.
  10. Safety Tip:
    • Be cautious when adding alcohol to hot liquid. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the alcohol to avoid splattering.
Keyword Boilo recipe, Christmas drink, Pennsylvania Coal Region drink, Spiced honey liqueur, Traditional holiday drink, Warm winter beverage