Honey sbiten is a tasty and healthy drink that was widely distributed several centuries ago. What is sbiten, and how to cook it at home, - further in our material.

Product Description and Composition

In the old days, a drink was prepared in two containers, and then mixed - “knocked down”, from where, probably, its name came from. The main ingredients of whitewash are water, honey (sometimes mixed with molasses or sugar) and spices: ginger, St. John's wort, sage, etc. There are also low-alcohol options: with wine or cognac (up to 4–7% alcohol).

Non-alcoholic sbiten prepared according to the classic recipe has an average of the following composition (per 100 g):

• proteins and fats are practically absent - 0.02 and 0.04 g, respectively;
• carbohydrates - 13.14 g;
• potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium (in honey);
• B and C vitamins.

Calorie content of the drink is 50–55 kcal. Depending on the time of year, sbiten can be served both hot and cold.

Drink properties

The presence of honey and herbs gives sbitnu not only a pleasant taste, but also various beneficial properties. However, these ingredients also have a number of contraindications.

Did you know? In the old days in Russia there were “downed smokers”, where one could buy a drink near a window made in the wall of the house and served as a kind of counter.

Beneficial features

• Due to its composition, sbiten has the following properties useful to the human body:
• honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, strengthens and tones;
• ginger improves digestion, lowers cholesterol and has antiviral properties;
• sage is useful for diseases of the respiratory system, problems with the stomach and liver;
• St. John's wort demonstrates effectiveness in the treatment of depression, chronic fatigue, relieves headache;
• mint calms, increases appetite and relieves cramps;
• thyme (thyme) has analgesic and disinfectant effects, improves digestion;
• adding lemon or orange will strengthen the immune system in the fight against viruses.

Important! To preserve the beneficial properties of natural bee honey, it can not be added to boiling water or a very hot liquid. The temperature of the drink should not be higher than +40°C!

Contraindications

The main contraindication for the use of the drink is individual intolerance to bee products and children under 2 years old.

• You should also individually select the composition of the drink with such ailments:
• pancreatitis and gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage;
• urolithiasis;
• allergic reactions to spices and herbs.

How to make honey sbiten at home

It is not difficult to prepare an old drink at home, but by changing the proportions and composition of spices, you can get a different taste and aroma.

Did you know? Sea buckthorn honey, despite the name, is just a syrup from the corresponding berries, since the tree blooms too early for the bees to collect pollen.

Recommendations for the use of the drink

Hot sbiten is a great way to warm yourself on a frosty winter day. The drink will also help with viral or colds. Significant energy value allows you to use it to maintain strength during mental or physical exertion.

Important! Sour or bitter taste of honey means that the product is spoiled. Crystallization is not cause for concern — This is a natural process that does not affect the beneficial properties of the product.

Limitations on quantity are necessary if you follow a diet or diabetes, when you need to take into account the daily number of calories. Sbiten with honey can be prepared in winter and summer. Using simple recipes with the addition of your favorite spices, everyone can create an original and healthy drink to their taste.