The Marshal's Kümmelschnaps — Caraway Grain Schnapps
A clear grain schnapps infused with caraway and a hint of anise, barely sweetened. Served in a small glass, dry and warming, for toasting or warming up.
A clear grain schnapps infused with caraway and a hint of anise, barely sweetened. Served in a small glass, dry and warming, for toasting or warming up.
Come, a glass before mounting! The bivouac cold gnaws your bones, and nothing beats a good swig of Kümmel to get your blood moving. With caraway, my friend, as we do it back home in Mecklenburg. We clink, we laugh, and Vorwärts! I never liked lukewarm water drinkers — neither at table nor in combat.
- •Grain schnapps (Kornbranntwein) — one bottle (alcoholic base)
- •Caraway seed — a good pinch (aromatic signature)
- •Anise seed — a few grains (aromatic complement)
- •Honey or sugar — barely any (to round off (optional))
The Marshal's Kümmelschnaps — Caraway Grain Schnapps
A clear grain schnapps infused with caraway and a hint of anise, barely sweetened. Served in a small glass, dry and warming, for toasting or warming up.
Why this dish? Blücher was known for his fiery temperament and taste for the soldier's rough pleasures. Caraway grain schnapps (Kümmel) was the alcohol of northern Germany — a morning gulp against bivouac cold, a gesture of camaraderie before the charge. A drink in the marshal's image: frank and straightforward.
Come, a glass before mounting! The bivouac cold gnaws your bones, and nothing beats a good swig of Kümmel to get your blood moving. With caraway, my friend, as we do it back home in Mecklenburg. We clink, we laugh, and Vorwärts! I never liked lukewarm water drinkers — neither at table nor in combat.
Ingredients (period version)
- Grain schnapps (Kornbranntwein) — one bottle (alcoholic base)
- Caraway seed — a good pinch (aromatic signature)
- Anise seed — a few grains (aromatic complement)
- Honey or sugar — barely any (to round off (optional))
Ingredients
- Vodka or neutral grain spirit (~40% ABV) — 500 ml (base)
- Caraway seed — 2 tsp (signature)
- Green anise seed — 1/2 tsp (complement)
- Sugar — 1 tsp (optional) (sweeten)
Method
- Lightly crush the caraway and anise in a mortar to release aromas.
- Add the seeds to the alcohol, add sugar if desired. Seal the jar.
- Infuse for 5 to 7 days in a dark place, shaking daily.
- Strain carefully through a fine cloth or coffee filter.
- Bottle. Serve very cold in a small glass. Consume in moderation, for adults only.
How it was made : Kümmel, caraway schnapps, has been a specialty of northern Germany and the Netherlands since the 16th century. In armies, grain schnapps was also used to make dubious water potable and to boost morale — distributed as a ration before major operations.
The contemporary twist : Served ice-cold as a 'shot' in a frosty glass, or lengthened with sparkling water and a lemon zest for a long bitter-aniseed summer drink. Enjoy a non-alcoholic version with cold caraway infusion for younger ones.
Blücher · Charactorium