Sbiten
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sbiten, also sbiten' (Russian: сбитень, also збитень) is a hot winter Russian traditional drink. First mentioned in Slavonic chronicles in 1128, it remained popular with all stratas of Russian society until the 19th century when it was replaced by tea. It is being revived in the 21st century as a mass-produced drink in Russia.
Like mead and medovukha, sbiten' is based on honey mixed with water and spices. One recipe of sbiten' is described in the 16th-century Domostroy. Compared to kvass, sbiten' is very simple to prepare. Separately, honey and sbiten' flavor (spices, juices) are boiled down and then these two parts are combined and boiled again.
[edit] Recipes
- The basic recipe for Sbiten: 3 1/2 cups water 2 cups honey 3 cinnamon sticks 2-3 cardamom pods, seeds removed, toasted and crushed 1/3 Tsp ground ginger 1 TBS whole cloves 2 dried chili peppers (optional) 2 TBS raspberry or apricot jam Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a slow boil over medium heat. Whisk continuously to insure honey is well mixed. Remove from heat and allow to come to room temperature. Strain liquid through cheesecloth into an airtight container for storage and refrigerate until ready to bottle.
- "Tzar's" Sbiten: ingredients: honey, sugar, red bilberry, blueberry and blackberry; sweet clover, inula, salvia, thyme, spices.
- "Sbiten Boyarsky" ("Boyar" Sbiten): ingredients: honey, sugar, cranberry, blackberry; melissa, sweet clover, thyme, spices.
- "Moscovsky" Sbiten: ingredients: honey, sugar, red bilberry, blueberry; melissa, sweet clover, thyme, spices.
