Traditional Melosa Algarve Honey & Medronho Liquor

Melosa is one of those classic Algarve liquors, made from medronho brandy mixed with honey. Medronho brandy is made from the fruit of the strawberry tree (arbutus berry) and produces a seriously strong spirit with a high alcohol content, but also incredibly intense in flavor, especially if it’s made right. Melosa is the natural extension of that, combining the punch of the brandy with the smoothness of regional honey, usually an almost black eucalyptus honey that is already pretty bold on its own, with a beautifully bittersweet flavor.

The recipe itself is super simple, but what really makes a great melosa is tracking down a good medronho brandy and a quality regional honey from the Algarve. That’s honestly where the magic lives! Let’s check the recipe!

Traditional Melosa Algarve Honey & Medronho Liquor

Servings: 10
Time: 30mins
Difficulty: Normal
Rating: ★★★★★
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The good thing about these homemade liquors is that after you make a big batch, it last well for several months so you can enjoy for a long time!

Ingredients

Medronho Brandy – 500ml (Aguardente de Medronho)
Water – 500ml
Honey – 600gr
Lemon – 1 (Peel only)
Cinnamon – 3 sticks

Directions

Place the water, cinnamon sticks, lemon peel, and honey in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium to high heat.
Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well dissolved, especially the honey. Once it starts boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer for 2 to 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Remove the lemon peels and cinnamon sticks and let it cool completely, about 30 to 40 minutes (this is necessary because adding the medronho brandy to a hot liquid would cause the alcohol to evaporate).
Finally, add the medronho brandy and stir for 2 to 3 minutes before bottling.
Let it rest for at least one day before drinking. Store the medronho in the refrigerator, tightly sealed. It’s not strictly necessary, but medronho tastes better when it’s fresh, as it cuts the sweetness more effectively. Enjoy!

Notes & Tips: This is an absolute classic Portuguese liquor from the Algarve. Try and visit any fair in the Algarve during the summer and you will find bottles of these everywhere, perfect for a nice shot after some snacks. It’s a delicious, very alcoholic but also very sweet and aromatic drink, and the secret to making a great one is really no secret at all: just good Aguardente de Medronho and good quality regional honey. None of that cheap supermarket stuff, hahahah! Not that supermarket honey is bad 😀 but you want honey with some body, some flavor, not basic mixed honey that doesn’t taste like much.

Melosa keeps well for about 6 months or more (although more than 1 year you should just drink it all), but it’s best enjoyed within those 6 months for the ideal flavor. It also tends to form a little sediment over time, especially if stored in the fridge, so always give the bottle a good shake before serving.

This recipe for Traditional Melosa Algarve Honey & Medronho Liquor was originally created on BakeAfter.com. Esta receita de Melosa Tradicional foi publicada em português no Iguaria.com.