Borrachuelos are traditional Andalusian fritters enjoyed especially during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Sweetened with anise-infused wine and finished with a honey drizzle, these crisp, golden puffs are light, aromatic, and lightly boozy.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings5
YieldAbout 20 fritters
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 385 kcalCalories
- 14 gFat
- 2 gSaturated Fat
- 58 gCarbs
- 1 gFiber
- 32 gSugar
- 5 gProtein
- 75 mgSodium
- 95 mgPotassium
- 35 mgCalcium
- 2 mgIron
- 3 mgVitamin C
- 30 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweet Moscatel or other sweet white wine
- 2 tablespoons anise liqueur (or 2 teaspoons anise seeds, lightly crushed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for frying
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
For finishing
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then add the wine, anise liqueur (or crushed anise seeds), and olive oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat about 1 1/2 inches of olive oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of dough sizzles immediately.
- Wet your hands with water and pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces of dough. Flatten each piece slightly and gently lower 4-5 at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, turning once, until deeply golden and crisp.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep warm while you fry the remaining dough in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey with the water, lemon juice, and cinnamon, stirring until smooth and just warm.
- Arrange the warm fritters on a platter and drizzle generously with the honey syrup. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately.
Cook’s Notes
- For a more traditional filling, spoon a teaspoon of cabello de ángel (sweet pumpkin jam) into the center of each dough piece before frying.
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F; too cool and the fritters absorb oil, too hot and they brown before cooking through.
- The dough is intentionally sticky; wetting your hands before shaping prevents it from clinging to your fingers.
- Serve the fritters the same day they are made, as they lose their crispness quickly.
- A dry sherry or Pedro Ximénez can be used in place of Moscatel for a deeper, more caramel-like note.










