Sbiten: A Traditional Russian Winter Drink
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Sbiten: How to Make and Enjoy the Russian Winter Drink
Sbiten is a hot honey-based beverage that has been popular in Russia since the 12th century. It is often considered a Russian version of Glühwein, although it usually does not contain alcohol. Sbiten is made with water, honey, spices, and jam, and has a dark purple color and a sweet and spicy taste. Sbiten is traditionally served from copper samovars by street vendors called sbitenshchiks, who attract customers with their loud calls and songs. Sbiten can also be enjoyed at home, especially during the cold winter months.
History of Sbiten
Sbiten was first mentioned in chronicles in 1128, and remained a
favorite drink of all classes of Russian society until the 19th century, when
it was replaced by coffee and tea. Sbiten was considered a cheaper and
healthier alternative to tea, and was also believed to have medicinal
properties. Peter the Great had sbiten given to the workers who built his new
capital, St. Petersburg, to prevent colds and infections. In the 18th and 19th
centuries, Russian sailors would drink sbiten as a remedy for scurvy,
especially when mixed with citrus or ginger juice.
Sbiten experienced a revival after the collapse of the Soviet
Union, when it became available as a syrup sold in monastery shops. Nowadays,
sbiten is also sold in supermarkets and cafes, and can be served cold in the
summer or added to tea or coffee. In 2018, Vladimir Putin bought a bottle of
sbiten at a market in Vladivostok and presented it to his Chinese counterpart
Xi Jinping.
How to Make Sbiten
Sbiten is very easy to make at home, and there are many variations
of the recipe. The basic ingredients are water, honey, spices, and jam. The
most common spices are cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, but some recipes
also include mint, cardamom, anise, or chili peppers. The jam can be made from
any berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, or cranberries. Some people
also add red wine to make sbiten alcoholic.
To make sbiten, you need to bring water to a boil in a large pot,
and then add the honey, spices, and jam. Stir the mixture well and simmer it
for about 10 minutes. Then, strain the liquid and serve it in mugs or glasses.
You can garnish sbiten with mint leaves or cinnamon sticks if you like.
Benefits of Sbiten
Sbiten is not only a delicious and warming drink, but also a
healthy one. Honey is a natural sweetener that has antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can help soothe sore throats,
coughs, and colds, and boost the immune system. Spices are also rich in
antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
They can help improve digestion, blood circulation, and metabolism, and fight
infections and inflammation. Jam is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients
that can help prevent scurvy and other diseases. Sbiten can also help hydrate
the body and provide energy and comfort.
Conclusion
Sbiten is a traditional Russian drink that has a long and rich
history. It is made with water, honey, spices, and jam, and can be served hot
or cold, with or without alcohol. Sbiten is a tasty and healthy drink that can
help warm up and heal the body and soul. Sbiten is a perfect drink for the
winter season, but can also be enjoyed all year round.
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