Russian · Drinks · SAMPLE RECIPE
Sbiten · warm honey & spice drink
Honey stirred into a fragrant infusion of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and lemon peel. A soothingly aromatic hot drink for a cold day.
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A NOTE FROM THE KITCHEN
An unfermented honey infusion.
Sbiten has been made in many forms, including alcoholic versions. This recipe is a freshly prepared, non-alcoholic infusion with no fermentation. Honey gives it body and sweetness, while the spices can be adjusted to suit your taste.
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Sbiten · warm honey & spice drink
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BEHIND THE DISH · Older Russian honey-drink traditions
Sbiten · warm honey & spice drinkBeyond the plate.
Honey carries the aroma of warm spices in a drink with a long life before the modern café.
ORIGINS & EVOLUTION
Honey, water, and spices.
Sbiten is an older Russian drink prepared in several ways. Simple infusions of honey and spices sit alongside historical fermented or alcohol-fortified versions. The name therefore does not guarantee that every recipe is alcohol-free, even though this one is.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
A place in street-drink history.
Culinary historians describe vendors carrying heated vessels of sbiten through Russian towns and cities. Its place diminished as tea became more widely available. The steaming cup remains closely associated with cold weather and the aroma of honey and spices.
AT THE TABLE
An ordinary saucepan version.
We infuse ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and lemon peel in water, then strain and stir in honey. This is an unfermented, alcohol-free preparation. Serve it warm in a heatproof cup, with the spices strained out for a clear, gently fragrant drink.
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