RECIPE OF THE BIG or GREAT SWEDISH BITTERS - SCHWEDENBITTER
by Maria Treben
Ingredients
- 26 g of Artemisia
- 18 g of rhubarb
- 18 g Theriak
- 13 g myrrh
- 9 g Zittwerwurzel
- 5 g of red clay
- 7 g gentian root
- 7 g arnica root
- 4 g Eberwurz
- 2 g of camphor (use only natural camphor)
- 2 g Tormentill
- 2 g Bibergail
- 5 g larch sponge
- 1 g saffron
- 2 g mace
- 2 g senna
- 18 g Kalmus
- 35 g of nutmeg
- 7 g of silica
How to prepare Swedish Bitters Mix
Put this mixture in a 2-liter bottle preferably with a wide neck. Pour 1.5 liters of 40% Vodka and leave it for 14 - 30 days in a warm dark place. The bottle should be shaken daily. After 14 - 30 days, you can sieve the mixture into a smaller bottle. Since the Swedish Bitters are becoming stronger with time, it is advisable to always produce the greatest possible amount of Swedish Bitters to hold for several years, even if the herbs are still in mix. The alcohol will prevent mold growth.
Please Note : Camphor is suspected to be carcinogenic. If you want to play it safe, you can omit the camphor from the mix.
Senna and rhubarb root are very strong laxative, they can also be omitted from the mix if such an effect is not desired.
It is also possible to add 60 g sugar crystals in order to improve the taste.