Looking to add a unique twist to your at-home happy hour? Look no further than Homemade Galliano. This versatile and flavorful liqueur is a game-changer in the world of mixology. With its distinct blend of herbs and spices, it's no wonder that Galliano has been a beloved ingredient in classic drinks like the Harvey Wallbanger.
But, why settle for store-bought when you can create your own version right in your kitchen? Use it for cocktails, dinner and dessert or give it as a thoughtful hostess gift.
Like all of our homemade liqueur recipes, Galliano is simple to make. Just make a simple syrup and then add the vodka and flavorings. It needs at least 2 weeks to age so you want to plan ahead a bit. Letting it sit longer will allow the flavors to deepen even better.
Galliano Autentico is sold in tall skinny bottles, but use whatever bottle you like best.
Recipes with Galliano
Galliano has flavors of vanilla and anise which pairs nicely with a variety of foods as well as drinks.
Cocktails with Galliano: While Galliano has been around since the late 1800's it came back into popularity in the 1970's with the Harvey Wallbanger, a combination of Galliano, orange juice and vodka. The Golden Cadillac combines it with Creme de Cacao and cream.
Cooking with Galliano: Saveur uses it to deglaze chicken and mushrooms to create a lovely sauce. And King Arthur Flour has a recipe for a Harvey Wallbanger Cake.
Galliano as a Gift: If you want to give it as a gift, put it into a pretty bottle (I love these) and attach a copy of these drink recipes made with Galliano with a nice ribbon. Perfect for hostess or holiday gifts.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- ⅔ cup water
- 3-4 cloves
- ¼ teaspoon anise seed
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoons anise extract
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 2 ½ cups vodka
Instructions
- Bring water, cloves and anise seed to a boil. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool.
- Strain cloves and and anise. Add vanilla, anise extract, lemon juice, food coloring and vodka.
- Pour into a 1 quart bottle, cork and age at least 2 weeks.
Barbara Karr
You have no idea how happy I am to find this recipe!! Thank you a zillion times.
Ray
Could you just add the lemon juice and vanilla to anisette?
Audrey
I don't see why not. According to my research the Galliano has a lighter anise taste than Anisette.
Liza
How much star anise and time would I take instead of using anise extract? Thanks It is very hard to find Galliano in my community
Audrey
I have only made it with anise extract. First of all, since it is Italian in origin, you would want to use anise seeds, not star anise. You could use the star anise and make a lovely liqueur, but the flavor will be different than true Galliano.
If I were to try it with the anise seed (or star anise) I would use a tablespoon of seeds and a vanilla bean in 3 cups of vodka and let it sit a few weeks to a month, shaking it every few days when I remember. Then remove seeds and add simple syrup (1 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar) and let it sit some more.
The flavor will intensify the longer it sits in both steps of the process.
Again, I have never made it this way but from experience making other liqueurs over the years I think this would be a good place to start.
Now I am curious to try. If you do, I'd love to hear how it comes out.
Jolene
What a great idea for a hostess gift with the recipes attached!