Beverages
Sbiten with Taiwanese Rice Currant (Hot Spiced Honey Drink)
Original name: Sbiten with Taiwanese Rice Currant
About this dish
Sbiten is a traditional Russian honey-based hot drink that predates tea in Slavic households, once sold by street vendors called sbitenshchiki. This version infuses the classic honey and spice base with Taiwanese rice currant, a tart, fruity shrub also known as Formosan currant, which adds a bright, berry-like acidity.
The result is a warming, aromatic beverage that balances honey sweetness with citrus, spice, and a gentle tang. It is naturally caffeine-free and perfect for cold evenings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Water
liquid1 liter
Imperial measurement: 4 cups
Honey
other150 grams
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
Taiwanese rice currant (fresh or frozen)
fruit120 grams
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
spice10 grams
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon
Whole cloves
spice4 pieces
Cinnamon stick
spice1 stick
Star anise
spice1 piece
Lemon, sliced
fruit1/2 piece
Method
Combine base ingredients
5 minutesIn a medium saucepan, combine water, Taiwanese rice currant, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise if using. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Simmer and infuse
15 minutesReduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the spices and currants to release their flavor. Stir occasionally.
Add honey and lemon
2 minutesRemove from heat and stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Add lemon slices if desired. Do not boil after adding honey to preserve its delicate aroma.
Strain and serve
3 minutesStrain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs or a heatproof pitcher. Serve hot. If making ahead, reheat gently without boiling.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Mugs or heatproof pitcher
- Wooden spoon
Nutrition facts
Tips
- Adjust the honey to taste depending on the tartness of the Taiwanese rice currants, if they are very sour, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
- For a deeper flavor, lightly crush the spices and currants with the back of a spoon before simmering.
- This drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently, avoid boiling to keep the honey's aroma intact.
- If Taiwanese rice currants are unavailable, substitute with red currants or cranberries, but reduce honey slightly as they are less tart.
Serving suggestions
- Serve in warmed mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish.
- Pair with savory pastries or rye bread for a traditional Russian tea-time experience.
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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.