🥃 Nastoianka

Nastoianka is a traditional Ukrainian drink made by steeping herbs, roots, spices, honey or berries in vodka or spirit. According to the Glavred publication, Ukrainian tradition leaned towards infusions with honey and herbs. Compared with nalyvka, nastoianka is usually stronger and less sweet, with a more pronounced slightly bitter herbal note.

History. According to the same source, the word «vodka» first meant alcoholic herbal infusions taken as medicine. In the 17th and 18th centuries Ukraine was one of the centres of distilling in Eastern Europe, and Cossack officers and monasteries had complex recipes. Drinks now called nastoiankas were supplied to Europe in the 18th century.

How it is made. Plant material is covered with vodka and kept in the dark for several weeks, sometimes shaken. The liquid is then strained. Sugar or honey is added if needed, and the strength usually stays close to that of the original vodka, for example 35 to 45% vol. Everyday names often mix: the same drink may be called both nastoianka and nalyvka.

Types. Nastoiankas include pertsivka with pepper, anise with aniseed, khrinivka with horseradish, kminivka with caraway, and bitter herbal versions. One well-known example is varenukha, vodka baked in an oven with honey, dried fruit and spices. Another historic group is ternivka and zapikanka, fruit distillates made from berries.

Why it matters to you. Plants in a nastoianka do not make it a medicine: health claims on drinks above 1.2% vol. are banned in the EU. Homemade nastoianka has no quality control. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.