How to Make Eucommia Liquor ( Duchung Ju ) – A Homemade Tonic Recipe

 

Eucommia Liquor Blog Post



Hello, everyone! Last time, we explored Eucommia (Duchung) and its benefits for back and bone health. Today, I’ll walk you through making "Eucommia liquor" (Duchung Ju), a traditional tonic that maximizes the bark’s medicinal properties with soju. It’s perfect for relieving back pain or boosting energy when you’re feeling weak. I’ll break it down step-by-step so even beginners can follow along. Let’s make it together!


What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools for Eucommia Liquor 🍶

Before starting, gather these essentials. It’s simple, so no worries!

  • Eucommia Bark: 200-300g of dried bark (choose clean, high-quality bark for best results)
  • Soju: 1.8L (25-35% alcohol, unflavored recommended)
  • Glass Jar: 2-3L capacity with a lid (avoid plastic as it may react with the herbs)
  • Strainer or Cheesecloth: For filtering impurities
  • Scale: Handy for measuring the bark accurately
  • Funnel: Makes pouring soju into the jar easier

With everything ready, let’s get started!



Step 1: Preparing and Cleaning the Eucommia Bark 🧹

Clean ingredients are the foundation of good liquor. Here’s how to prep the bark.

  1. Brush off dust or debris from the dried Eucommia bark.
  2. Soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes to remove impurities—don’t soak too long to preserve potency.
  3. Rinse, drain in a strainer, and spread on a clean cloth to air-dry in the shade (avoid direct sunlight, which can weaken the effects).
  4. Once dry, break the bark into smaller pieces by hand to help it infuse better in the soju.

With clean, dry bark, you’re ready for the next step!




Step 2: Filling the Jar with Ingredients 🍾

Now, let’s combine the bark and soju in the jar.

  1. Sterilize the glass jar with hot water and let it dry completely (moisture can cause mold).

  2. Place 200-300g of prepared bark at the bottom, filling about 1/3 of the jar—don’t pack it too tight.

  3. Use a funnel to slowly pour in 1.8L of soju, ensuring the bark is fully submerged.

  4. Seal the lid tightly to prevent air leaks.

The base for your liquor is set—on to aging!




Step 3: Aging the Mixture ⏳

Aging is key to unlocking Eucommia’s benefits. Patience pays off here.

  1. Store the jar in a cool, dark place (avoid sunlight or temperature swings).

  2. Let it age for at least 3 to 6 months—up to a year for deeper flavor and potency.

  3. For the first 1-2 weeks, gently shake the jar once daily to mix the bark and soju.

  4. Check for bubbles or odd smells during aging; if present, the batch might have spoiled.

Once aged, it’s time for the final step!




Step 4: Filtering and Storing 🧴

After aging, filter and store your liquor for enjoyment.

  1. Strain the aged liquor through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove residue (it should be a clear brownish color).

  2. Transfer the filtered liquor into a clean, sterilized glass bottle or jar.

  3. Seal and store in a cool place—refrigeration keeps it fresher longer.

  4. Don’t toss the leftover bark; you can reuse it for a weaker second batch with fresh soju.

Your Eucommia liquor is ready to savor!


 


How to Enjoy: Tips for Drinking Eucommia Liquor 🍷

Since it’s medicinal, moderation is key. Here’s how to enjoy it.

  • Dosage: 1-2 small shots (20-40ml) daily, ideally after dinner.

  • Flavor tweak: If it’s too bitter, add a touch of honey or jujube.

  • Boosting effects: Dilute with warm water or pair with tea for extra warmth.

  • Note: Avoid overdrinking, and start small to check your body’s response.



Wrap-Up: Boost Your Health with Eucommia Liquor

We’ve walked through making Eucommia liquor step-by-step. Isn’t it great that you can craft a back-and-bone-boosting tonic at home with simple ingredients and some time? I love Eucommia tea, but I’m excited to try this liquor next. Give it a go and enjoy a healthy sip! Just make sure it suits your body and drink in moderation. I’ll be back with more helpful info soon. Stay healthy and happy!

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