Gammel Dansk is a traditional Danish herbal liqueur known for its distinctive bitter taste, created from a complex blend of spices and herbs. It was originally crafted in 1964 and has since become a beloved drink in Denmark, often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif. This iconic beverage is deeply tied to Danish culture, symbolizing craftsmanship, tradition, and the country's affinity for bitter flavors. With a recipe that includes over 30 different ingredients, Gammel Dansk embodies a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet notes, making it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails.
Gammel Dansk, which translates to "Old Danish," was first developed by Danish distiller Jørgen Bernhard Jensen as a high-quality herbal liquor designed to compete with other European bitters. Its creation was a result of years of experimentation with various herbs and spices to achieve its signature strong and complex flavor. While Gammel Dansk was initially consumed as a medicinal tonic, it gradually became a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings in Denmark, often served during breakfast with coffee or after meals to aid digestion. Its popularity has endured for decades, making it an essential part of Denmark’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of high-proof neutral grain alcohol (such as vodka or grain spirit)
- 20 grams of dried wormwood
- 20 grams of dried gentian root
- 10 grams of dried angelica root
- 10 grams of dried camomile flowers
- 5 grams of dried caraway seeds
- 5 grams of dried orange peel
- 5 grams of dried cardamom pods
- 3 grams of dried ginger root
- 3 grams of dried cinnamon bark
- 3 grams of dried nutmeg
- 1 gram of dried cloves
- 1 gram of dried star anise
- 1 gram of dried fennel seeds
- 1 gram of dried coriander seeds
- 1 gram of dried juniper berries
- 1 gram of dried mugwort (optional)
- 1 liter of water
- 500 grams of granulated sugar
Instructions:
1- In a large glass jar or container, combine all the dried herbs, spices, and seeds.
2- Pour the high-proof neutral grain alcohol over the herbs and spices, making sure they are fully submerged.
3- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to help infuse the flavors.
4- After two weeks, strain the infused alcohol through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid particles. Discard the solids.
5- In a separate saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.
6- Allow the simple syrup to cool completely, then add it to the infused alcohol. Stir well to combine.
7- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or bitterness to your preference by adding more sugar or water if necessary.
8- Once you're happy with the flavor, transfer the Gammel Dansk to clean, sterilized bottles with tight-fitting lids.
9- Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for at least another week to allow the flavors to meld and mellow before serving.
10- Serve Gammel Dansk chilled as a digestif after a hearty Danish meal, or use it as a base for cocktails.
Enjoy your homemade Gammel Dansk, and remember to drink responsibly!
Nutritional Values:
1. 1 liter of high-proof neutral grain alcohol (such as vodka or grain spirit)
- Calories: 2,310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Provides energy but should be consumed in moderation; used to extract and preserve flavors.
2. 20 grams of dried wormwood
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.04 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of iron
- Nutritional benefit: Traditionally used to improve digestion and stimulate appetite.
3. 20 grams of dried gentian root
- Calories: 7 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin A
- Minerals: Minimal amounts of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Promotes digestion and stimulates bile production.
4. 10 grams of dried angelica root
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion.
5. 10 grams of dried camomile flowers
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin A
- Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Known for its calming and digestive properties.
6. 5 grams of dried caraway seeds
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2.7 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Helps digestion, reduces bloating, and provides antioxidants.
7. 5 grams of dried orange peel
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in antioxidants, boosts immune health.
8. 5 grams of dried cardamom pods
- Calories: 16 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin C and vitamin B6
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Known for digestive benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
9. 3 grams of dried ginger root
- Calories: 2 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin B6
- Minerals: Small amounts of magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Reduces nausea, aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
10. 3 grams of dried cinnamon bark
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2.2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.04 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin K
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Antioxidant-rich, may help regulate blood sugar.
11. 3 grams of dried nutmeg
- Calories: 18 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin B6
- Minerals: Manganese, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Aids digestion, improves circulation, has warming properties.
12. 1 gram of dried cloves
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
13. 1 gram of dried star anise
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Known for antiviral and antibacterial properties.
14. 1 gram of dried fennel seeds
- Calories: 4 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Aids digestion, reduces bloating, and promotes healthy skin.
15. 1 gram of dried coriander seeds
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Improves digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
16. 1 gram of dried juniper berries
- Calories: 4 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Known for diuretic and antiseptic properties.
17. 1 gram of dried mugwort (optional)
- Calories: 3 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin C
- Minerals: Small amounts of potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Traditionally used to support digestion and promote relaxation.
18. 1 liter of water
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Hydration and dilution of the recipe.
19. 500 grams of granulated sugar
- Calories: 2,000 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 500 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Provides sweetness and energy in the form of simple carbohydrates.
This nutritional information emphasizes the caloric contribution of sugar and alcohol, while the herbs and spices contribute negligible calories but provide various health benefits, particularly related to digestion, circulation, and inflammation reduction.
Comments