Sbiten is an ancient Russian drink. In the old days, they were sold not only in shops, but also right on the streets. Now it is difficult to find it on sale, unless only during festivities.
There are three main types of sbiten:
1. The classic recipe. 100-150 grams of honey, the same amount of sugar, a few leaves of bay leaves, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon are added to boiling water (per liter). All this is boiled for ten minutes and then filtered.
2. Sbiten with mint. All the same ingredients are involved. Mint is added in a small amount.
These two types of sbitnya are served hot, so they were often sold during the winter holidays. They cooked right on the street. It not only has the ability to warm, but is also an excellent means of fighting colds. A sick person needs to drink a mug of sbitnya before bedtime.
3. Cold sbiten. Add honey, hops, and cinnamon to boiling water (for one liter). Boil for about half an hour, then filter and cool. During the boil, a white foam is likely to form. It must be removed.
The third type is ideal for drinking in hot weather. Often they took him with them to hay. Cold sbiten is an excellent thirst quencher and invigorating. An ideal drink that can be an alternative to modern carbonated drinks. He was loved not only by adults, but also by children. However, large amounts of cold sbit can get slightly drunk. By the way, sbiten is somewhat reminiscent of mulled wine.
