Basic Loki

Name: Basic Loki
Total time: 90 d
Yield: 100
Cuisine: Eastern European

This Scandinavian inspired Vanilla-Almond Loki Liqueur is a sweet, aromatic homemade spirit with warm vanilla and nutty almond notes. Ideal for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails, this liqueur requires minimal ingredients and a few months of aging to develop its full flavor. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at gatherings.

YIELD

100 servings

PREP

15 min

COOK

5 min

READY

90 days

Chef Tips

Alcohol Safety: Grain alcohol is flammable. Add only to cooled liquid and keep away from flames.
Quality Ingredients: Use pure vanilla and almond extracts for best flavor.
Sterilization: Sterilize bottles to prevent contamination.
Taste Adjustment: Dilute with water or syrup if too strong after aging.
Labeling: Label bottles with the bottling date and name.

Optional Variations

Spiced Loki: Add a cinnamon stick or 2–3 cloves during aging (remove after 1 month).
Citrus Twist: Infuse with orange or lemon zest during aging (remove after 2 weeks).
Lower Proof: Use 750 ml 80-proof vodka instead of grain alcohol, with 1.5 liters water.

Potential Pitfalls

Alcohol Evaporation: Cool mixture fully before adding alcohol and seal bottles tightly.
Cloudy Appearance: Strain through cheesecloth if sediment forms.
Overheating Extracts: Remove from heat before adding extracts.
Insufficient Aging: Age for at least 3 months for smooth flavor.

Ingredients

2 liters hot Water
4 cups sugar
1/2 cup vanilla extract
1/4 cup almond extract
1 liter grain alcohol

Directions

Heat the Water and Dissolve Sugar: In a large pot, heat 2 liters of water over medium heat until warm (120–140°F or 49–60°C). Gradually stir in 4 cups sugar, whisking until dissolved.
Add Extracts: Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup vanilla extract and ¼ cup almond extract until combined.
Cool Completely: Transfer to a glass or stainless steel bowl and cool to room temperature (about 1–2 hours).
Add Grain Alcohol: Stir in 1 liter grain alcohol gently.
Bottle the Liqueur: Pour into sterilized glass bottles using a funnel. Seal tightly.
Age the Liqueur: Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months, shaking gently every few weeks.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature in small glasses. Store opened bottles for up to 2 years.

* not incl. in nutrient facts