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Sbiten
Spiced Honey Drink
Sbiten
Sbiten' is an ancient Russian drink. Azov was once a strategically important city guarding the entrance to Russia's waterways, the site of a great battle against the Turks in the eighteenth century. In keeping with its decor and the history of the town, 'The Fortress Ramparts' serves old Russian specialities, including this spicy, hot drink.
Ingredients
1½ pints (900 ml) water
2 cinnamon sticks
4 oz (120 g) sugar
½ teaspoon dried mint flakes
6 oz (170 g) honey
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
6 whole cloves
Nutmeg
8 whole cardamom pods, peeled
Details
Serves: 4
Method
Bring all the ingredients except the nutmeg to the boil in a large saucepan. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Then cool to room temperature.
Once the sbiten' has cooled, strain it. Reheat to serve. Grate some fresh nutmeg into each cup.
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