In the ancient times, Eastern Slavs were preparing a drink fromspices, honey and water - sbiten, or a crock. Also in its composition sometimes included medicinal herbs. For the first time, the recipe of sbinth is mentioned in chronicles dating back to the 11th century of our era. Known case described with a foreigner who came to Russia and tried this drink. Sbiten, a recipe for cooking which was unknown at that time abroad, liked the visitor very much. He called it "Russian mulled wine".
Recipe sbitnya in ancient times
Then in this drink added wine or braga(alcohol-containing mass, semi-finished product for the preparation of moonshine) to give it a fortress. Thanks to this, the alcohol content in sbitne reached 7%. Recipe sbitnya was not known to everyone, in addition, its manufacture was not cheap. Therefore, it was sold only in special institutions (the so-called "sbitten kurens"). This drink can be called the forerunner of tea in Russia. Then he was cooked in samovars and just like tea, they drank to keep warm. Institutions trading sbitnem, located in crowded places. The ancient recipe included such medicinal herbs as St. John's wort and sage, spices - ginger, bay leaf, capsicum. In the ancient sources that have come down to us, they describe in detail the stages of preparation and the recipe for sbiten.
Его делали в специальных самоварах, которые placed on the coals. The beverage was placed for storage in authentic vessels - sbitnitsy, which were a small barrel with a spout and a lid. Drank it from clay mugs. Recipe sbitnya allows you to prepare a truly healing, warming and anti-inflammatory action drink. In ancient times, it was simply irreplaceable in the winter. However, in the summer it was also used, only a slightly modified cold sbiten was prepared, which quenched thirst well. The currently known recipes differ slightly in technology and composition, but honey is present in all sights without exception. Try to make a simple Russian drink at home. For two servings, take 20 grams of fresh ginger root, 4 tablespoons of honey, one bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, a spoonful of sugar and 850 g of water. Ginger should be cut into large pieces, then add it to the boiling water along with the sugar. Boil for five minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. After the temperature of the drink is slightly less than 40 degrees, you need to add honey, stir well, strain and drink hot.
Mint sbiteniFor 2 cups of water you need 3 tablespoons of honey.In addition to mint (a teaspoon of dried leaves), take as many dried leaves of raspberries or black currants. Mint has a calming effect on the body and improves sleep; currant leaves have a disinfecting effect, are useful for colds, rich in phytoncides and tannins. Pour dried leaves with boiling water, let it brew for several hours. After cooling, strain, add honey, stir well. Refreshing sbiten can be used in cold form.
