Kompot / Kомпот
Kompot / Компот is a traditional drink in Eastern European countries and Russia. It’s a dessert-like drink made from water, any edible fruits/berries and some sugar or honey (optional). The sweet drink made from various dried fruits ( pears, apples, prunes and raisins) was known in Russia even before XVII century and is called uzvar. Uzvar is a festive meal which still served on Christmas Eve. It is also a staple drink in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine. Word Kompot / Компот came in Russian language from French compote.
Cold kompot is very refreshing and it is believed that it balances the effect of humidity on the body. It can also be served hot during cold winter nights. As a kid, I remember opening a jar of tart cherries kompot in December and the aroma would transfer me right in the hot mid-summer 🙂
Kompots are the best way to preserve summer fruits and berries. Jars sterilization ensures the safety of these preserves. Fruits and berries are not cooked for long and they are more likely to retain their natural flavour.
Red currants
Ingredients (add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink and more berries for intensity):
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp raw organic sugar
- 1/2 pint red currants
Directions:
- Boil water and sugar, bring to a simmer and add currants.
- Turn the heat off after currants turn pale pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, chilled or cold – delicious!
The Kat & the Falling Leaves 
But… where’s the VODKA!??
By all means add some to cold kompot. It’s probably healthier than adding cranberry juice to vodka 🙂
I’ve never had this! Sounds fantastic!!!
Oh, Darya – you must try it, this is another Eastern European classic. During my childhood kids mainly drank kompot, not pop.
I guess I never got to drink it as I never grew up in Russia! But I’ll ask my mom about it. I actually got some red currants at the market on Sunday, and was planning on making gluten free cakes/muffins, but I might just get lazy and make Kompot instead 🙂
If your currants on the sweet side you may not need to add any sugar. Mine were quite tart.
Looking forward to your gluten free cake recipe if you’ll have some currants left 🙂
I love when you feature Russian recipes. This looks like a cool refreshing summer drink! It’s like an alcohol-free sangria.
On Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 2:17 PM, The Kat & the Falling Leaves wrote:
> ** > The Kat and The Falling Leaves posted: ” Kompot / Компот is a > traditional drink in Eastern European countries and Russia. It’s a > dessert-like drink made from water, any edible fruits/berries and some > sugar or honey (optional). The sweet drink made from various dried fruits > ( pears, apples”
Thank you! Toronto has another hot day today so I keep drinking this.
Looks so summery and delicious! I like that you can make it with such a large variety of fruit and berries.
I don’t think there’s a single child grown up in the USSR who hadn’t had their daily Компот in kindergarten. 🙂 Brought back memories from my childhood, for sure. 🙂
Had this all the time growing up!! Yummy! I think my mom added some gelatin to it so it was a little thicker than juice. Not sure why. Might have to make this soon…
You always have the best stuff!
Where have you been? Or did I somehow quit following your blog? I miss your kitty. I’ll re-follow and see what happens! Love this drink!
🙂 It looks delicious and yummy!!!