Sbiten Tayozhny Recipe- Russian Special

Sbiten Tayozhny is a beloved Russian winter beverage—an herbal drink made with honey, warming spices, and forest herbs like thyme, oregano, or St. John’s wort. This honey-based elixir delivers soothing qualities and rich, aromatic flavor that warms the soul on cold nights. Rooted in ancient Slavic tradition, this drink is not only comforting but deeply traditional, offering both warmth and wellness in every mug.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time20 min
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw or floral variety)
- 4 cups water
For the Taiga Spice & Herb Mix:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 3–5 black peppercorns
- 1 small piece of ginger (sliced or grated)
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or St. John’s wort
- 1–2 teaspoons dried mint (optional, for added freshness)
For Serving (optional):
- A slice of lemon or orange
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like mint or thyme)
Prepare the Sbiten:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a gentle boil.
Add all the herbs and spices: cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, star anise, thyme, oregano, and mint.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10–15 minutes to extract the flavors.
Turn off the heat. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve to remove herbs and spices.
Stir in the honey until completely dissolved. Do not boil after adding honey to preserve its nutrients.
Adjust sweetness or spice level to taste.
Serve:
Pour the hot Sbiten into mugs.
Garnish with a lemon or orange slice and a sprig of fresh herbs if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the warming, herbal richness of this traditional Russian drink.
Recipe Notes :
Herb Selection: Use fresh or high-quality dried forest herbs for the “taiga” flavor — thyme, oregano, St. John’s wort, or combinations thereof work best.
Honey Quality: A raw, floral or forest honey enhances both taste and health benefits; avoid overheating honey to preserve its nutrients.
Spice Adjustment: Adjust spices like ginger, cloves, or cinnamon to suit your palate—milder if you prefer gentler warmth, stronger for a spicier kick.
Serving Hot: Serve the drink piping hot in mugs, optionally garnished with a slice of lemon or fresh herbs for an aromatic finish.
Cold Version: This recipe can also be chilled and served over ice, possibly with a splash of sparkling water, for a refreshing summer twist.