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Boilo: a warm, spiced whisky cocktail with citrus fruits

Boilo, hot whiskey with citrus and spices

Drinks

Pennsylvania Dutch: A warm drink made with simmered orange and lemon juice and pulp, combined with honey, grapes, and spices, then filtered and mixed with…

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Recipe from Kittycataclysm, Mike Hayes, Uncle G's 'bot and 9 other contributors, adapted by Recette de cuisine · · updated on

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The boilo is a traditional holiday drink in the northeastern United States, particularly in Pennsylvania. Recipes vary, with common ingredients including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, caraway, or anise, depending on the family.

Ingredients and directions

  • Prep time20 min
  • Cook time3 hr
  • Total3 hr 20 min
  • DifficultyMedium
  • CostBudget
  • Cooking methodnibbled
  • Estimated cost$5.68 $0.47 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 15, 2026.
  • Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 people
  • $1.25
  • $0.56
  • $0.31
  • $2.64
  • $0.09
  • $0.46
  • $0.37

Prices from US supermarkets for 6 of 7 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.

Directions

  1. Peel the oranges and lemons, cut them into pieces, and squeeze them over a slow cooker; also add the pulp.
  2. Add the grapes, honey, and spices, and mix; do not add the whisky yet. ≈ 4 min
  3. Let it simmer for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pulp is fully melted.
  4. Strain the mixture in a pitcher by pressing the fruit through a strainer to extract all the liquid. ≈ 3 min
  5. Add the whisky and mix, but do not heat it: the alcohol would evaporate. Taste and add more whisky to your liking.
  6. Serve hot in small glasses or cups; each portion can be reheated in the microwave.

The bill

Boilo, hot whiskey with citrus and spices

  • 2 medium to large oranges$1.25
  • 2 lemons$0.56
  • 40 grams of grapes$0.31
  • 220 grams of honey$2.64
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon$0.09
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground walnuts and nutmeg$0.46
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cloves$0.37

Total$5.68

that's $0.47 per person

Estimated price; varies by store.

Equipment

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Before you start

Ingredients

  • 2 medium to large oranges
  • 2 lemons
  • 40 grams of grapes
  • 220 grams of honey
  • 355 ml of whisky (at least 40% alcohol by volume), or more, depending on preference
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground walnuts and nutmeg
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of green anise

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