Honey, bear traps and honey liqueur

After finding a recipe for Lavender liqueur (which I suspect may be one of my creations which is left for me along to enjoy) I did some further investigation and came across a rather more delicious sounding German honey liqueur, called Bärenfang ("bear trap"), which offers a further addition to the honey themed investigations of late.

The recipe apparently dates from the 15th century and can still be brought commercially from Schwarze & Schlichte, but is also fairly easy to make.

Barenfang label, courtesy of Manfred E. Fritsche (wiki commons)

I found the following recipe on Drink Focus:

Bärenfang  (Honey Liqueur)
8 cloves
½ vanilla pod
1 liter vodka
350g honey
Rough chop the cloves and split the vanilla pod lengthwise before adding them to the container and filling it with the vodka.

Let this mixture sit for at least 24 hours before straining the vanilla bean and the cloves from the vodka.


Once the vodka is clear of any remaining pieces, stir vigorously, pouring the honey in a thin stream. Do not stop until the honey and the vodka are completely blended together. Store the finished Barenjager honey liqueur in a cool, dark area and enjoy. Easy.

Schwarze & Schlichte Bärenfang