A period dish
A fermented drink brewed from spruce tips, molasses, and water, a colonial refreshment.
Serves 12
Spruce beer was brewed in the American colonies from the new growth of spruce trees, molasses, and yeast. It was thought to prevent scurvy and was drunk at home and in taverns.
Pantry / Durable
Other
Boil the spruce tips in the water for half an hour to draw out their flavor.
Strain the liquid and stir in the molasses until dissolved.
Let the liquid cool to lukewarm, then stir in the yeast.
Cover and leave it to ferment for two or three days.
Bottle the beer, keep it cool, and drink it within a week or two.
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