Hot Vodka with Honey (Krupnik)

• sugar↗2 cups
• cold water2 tablespoons
• boiling water4 cups
• cinnamon stick↗1
• peppercorns↗10
• allspice berries20
• vanilla bean↗1⁄4

  sliced and scraped

• nutmeg↗1⁄4

  grated

• cloves↗2
• orange rind↗1
• honey↗1 1⁄3 cups
• vodka↗2 cups

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat sugar in 2 Tbs of water until it dissolves, then stir in the boiling water.

2. 2

   Add vanilla bean, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and allspice berries.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Strain the caramel mixture and return to the pan.

5. 5

   Stir in honey and orange rind and heat, stirring, until the honey has completely dissolved.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil.

7. 7

   Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir vodka.

8. 8

   Serve hot or cold.