Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Liqueur · From Bladwijzer

Hop bitters

Updated on 9 October 2026

• Makes: ± 500 ml
• Time: 20 min + 1 week steeping
• From: Hop

Ingredients

• 20 fresh hop cones (± 15 g)
• 500 ml genever or vodka (35–40 %)
• 100 g sugar
• 100 ml water
• 1 strip of unwaxed orange peel (optional)

Method

1. Halve the hop cones and put them with the orange peel in a clean 750 ml jar.
2. Pour the spirit over so everything is submerged and close the jar.
3. Leave to steep for 5–7 days in a dark place, shaking daily. Taste after 3 days: hops turn bitter quickly.
4. Strain the spirit through a fine sieve or a coffee filter.
5. Boil the sugar and water until the sugar has dissolved and leave to cool.
6. Add the syrup bit by bit until the bitterness suits you and pour into a clean bottle. Leave to rest for another 2 weeks.

Storing: A year or longer, cool and dark. Shake before serving and drink in moderation.