Sbiten

The word sbiten is derived from the verb sbivat, which means to unite or collect together dissimilar parts. Sbiten was also historically known as vzvar (взвар). == History ==

First mentioned in chronicles in 1128, sbiten remained popular with all classes of Russian society until the 19th century when it was replaced by coffee and tea. In the 18th century, sbiten still rivalled tea in popularity and was considered a cheaper option. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, it was revived as a sickly sweet and spicy syrup widely distributed through monastery shops. A producer from Pushkinskiye Gory reports sales of about 12 tons of sbiten each month. == Preparation ==

, a lubok'' print (19th century) Like mead and medovukha, sbiten is based on honey mixed with water, spices, and jam. One recipe of sbiten is described in the 16th-century Domostroy. Compared to kvass, sbiten is very simple to prepare. In some recipes, honey and sbiten flavor (spices, juices) are boiled down and then these two parts are combined and boiled again. In other recipes, all the ingredients are combined and boiled at once. The drink can also be made alcoholic by substituting red wine for the water. It can be garnished with mint leaves or cinnamon sticks. ==Sbiten vendors==

Sbitenshchik () was a sbiten vendor in medieval Russia and the Russian Empire who attracted attention to his merchandise by loud advertisement calls and chastushkas. The comic opera Sbitenshchik (Сбитенщик) by Yakov Knyazhnin with music by Czech composer Antoine Bullant (1783) was popular in Russia at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. ==See also==