Drinks
Sbiten with Date Infusion
About this dish
A traditional Russian winter warmer, this sbiten is infused with honey and dates for natural sweetness and a hint of warming spice. This version steeps dates in the hot brew, releasing their rich, caramel-like notes and creating a soothing drink that's perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
water
liquid1 liter (4 cups)
Imperial measurement: 4 cups
dates, pitted and chopped
fruit200 g (about 1 cup)
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
honey
other120 ml (about 1/2 cup)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
cinnamon sticks
spice2 sticks
whole cloves
spice4-5 cloves
star anise
spice2 pods
fresh ginger, sliced
herb20 g (about 1-inch piece)
Imperial measurement: 1-inch piece
Method
Combine Ingredients
5 minutesIn a medium saucepan, combine the water, dates, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), and ginger (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer and Infuse
15 minutesReduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows the dates to soften and release their sweetness into the liquid.
Strain and Sweeten
5 minutesRemove from heat and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot. Discard the solids. Stir in the honey until completely dissolved.
Serve Warm
2 minutesServe the sbiten hot in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with a slice of fresh orange or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired. Enjoy while warm.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Nutrition facts
Tips
- To intensify the date flavor, let the dates steep in the hot liquid for 15 minutes after simmering before straining.
- For a more complex spice profile, add a piece of dried orange peel along with the spices.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, add extra honey to taste, but be careful not to overpower the dates.
- Leftover sbiten can be refrigerated and reheated gently, but it's best enjoyed fresh.
Serving suggestions
- Serve this sbiten as a warming winter drink alongside traditional Russian pastries like pryaniki (spiced cookies) or a simple slice of cake.
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Recipe by
Anya Ivanov
Specialises in Russian cuisineAnya makes pelmeni in batches of 500. She says freezing them is the only way to survive winter.
Describe yourself in three words: Stoic, efficient, freezer queen.