Experience the magic of Birz, a traditional Ethiopian fermented honey drink that’s both refreshing and beneficial for your health. This ancient beverage, once used as a daily water substitute, offers a delightful blend of sweet honey notes with subtle hints of warming spices.
Key Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus fermentation days)
- Yield: 1 liter
- Serving Size: 270g
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Category: Drinks
Ingredient Highlights
- Raw honey: The star of this recipe, providing both sweetness and natural fermentation properties.
- Whole cloves and fresh ginger: Create a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates this drink beyond simple honey water.
- For the best results, try to source local, unprocessed honey and fresh honeycomb. See the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.
Equipment Needed
- Large sterilized glass container or jar
- Muslin cloth
- Clean tea towel
- Rubber band
- Clean pot for mixing
Step-by-Step Overview
- The beauty of Birz lies in its simple preparation and natural fermentation process.
- The initial mixing of honey and water creates the base, while the spice bundle infuses gentle warmth.
- The magic happens during fermentation, where natural yeasts transform the sweetness into a complex, slightly effervescent beverage.
- The key to success is maintaining a clean environment and allowing proper fermentation time.
- Watch for subtle bubbling and a slightly tangy aroma to develop – this indicates successful fermentation.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store Birz in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The fermentation will continue slowly, gradually changing the flavor profile. Serve chilled or at room temperature – no reheating necessary.
Variations & Substitutions
Try adding cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks to the spice bundle for different flavor profiles. If honeycomb is unavailable, the recipe will still work without it, though the texture will be slightly different. You can also adjust the honey-to-water ratio for desired sweetness.
FAQs
How do I know when fermentation is complete?
Look for slight bubbling and a mildly tangy aroma, typically 3-5 days.
Can I use pasteurized honey?
Raw honey works best for fermentation, but pasteurized will still work.
Is it alcoholic?
The fermentation produces minimal alcohol content.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Birz has been a staple in Ethiopian households for centuries, traditionally served during special ceremonies and as a daily refreshment. The drink’s natural fermentation process was considered a way to purify water while adding nutritional benefits from honey and spices.
PrintBirz Recipe
Birz is a traditional Ethiopian beverage made from water and fermented honey, that was once used as a regular substitute for water. It is quite tasty, refreshing and has many health advantages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 liter 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Ferment/Mix
- Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6.75 tbsp (101 ml / 122g) of honey
- 4.25 cups (1.01 liters) of water
- 4 heads of whole cloves
- 1 tsp (5 ml / 2g) of peeled and slightly crushed ginger
- 0.35 ounces (10g) of honeycomb
Instructions
- Use a clean pot to dissolve your honey with around 100 ml of the water. Once it’s thoroughly mixed, pour the remaining water and mix them well together.
- Then transfer the honey-water mix and place in a container that has been sterilized.
- Next, place the ginger and cloves on a clean sheet of muslin cloth and wrap them up together. Then place the wrap as well as the honeycomb into the honey-water mix.
- Cover the container using clean a tea towel and secure with a rubber band. Then let the mix sit and ferment for a few days in cool and dark area.
- Put for a few days in a cool, dark area to ferment.
- Once the mix ferments, you can serve and enjoy your Birz!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 270g
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg