Russia has a long tradition of crafting delicious and refreshing drinks, especially when it comes to fruit-based beverages. From sweet and tangy to mildly fermented, Russian fruit punches are perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day or adding a flavorful twist to a meal. While some fruit punches are served cold, others offer a comforting warmth, making them suitable for any season. If you’re a tourist visiting Russia, don’t miss the chance to try these traditional fruit punches, which offer a taste of Russia’s culinary history and unique flavors.
Here’s a guide to the top 10 Russian fruit punches you should try during your visit:
1. Mors (Морс)
What Is It?
Mors is one of the most popular Russian fruit punches, made from berries like cranberries, lingonberries, blueberries, or cherries, sweetened with sugar, and diluted with water. It can be served chilled in the summer or hot in colder months.
Why You Should Try It
Mors is refreshing and tangy, with a natural fruitiness that provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it both delicious and nutritious.
- Best For: A thirst-quencher on a warm day or a cozy drink during winter.
2. Kompot (Компот)
What Is It?
Kompot is a traditional Russian fruit punch made by boiling fresh or dried fruits such as apples, pears, berries, or plums with sugar. It can be served hot or cold, depending on the season.
Why You Should Try It
Kompot is sweet and fruity, with the flavors of the fruit steeped in water. It’s often made at home in large quantities, making it a comforting drink at family meals and gatherings. It’s also a great way to use seasonal fruits.
- Best For: A naturally sweet and refreshing drink for any time of day.
3. Uzvar (Узвар)
What Is It?
Uzvar is a traditional Russian fruit punch made by boiling dried fruits such as apples, pears, plums, and sometimes apricots, often with spices like cinnamon and cloves. The resulting drink is naturally sweet and can be served chilled or warm.
Why You Should Try It
Uzvar has a deep, comforting flavor, especially when served hot. The sweetness of dried fruits is complemented by the aromatic spices, creating a drink that is both flavorful and healthy. It’s particularly popular during holidays and celebrations.
- Best For: A hearty, flavorful beverage during the colder months or as a warm, comforting drink.
4. Fruktovy Kvas (Фруктовый квас)
What Is It?
Fruktovy kvas is a fruity variation of traditional kvass, a mildly fermented drink typically made from rye bread. In this version, fruit such as apples, berries, and pears is used instead of bread. The result is a lightly fermented, tangy, and slightly fizzy fruit punch.
Why You Should Try It
Fruktovy kvas is an excellent option for those who enjoy a fizzy, naturally carbonated drink. The combination of fruits and mild fermentation makes it refreshing and lightly effervescent—perfect for hot summer days.
- Best For: Those looking for a fizzy, refreshing drink with a fruity twist.
5. Sbiten with Berries (Сбитень с ягодами)
What Is It?
Sbiten is a traditional Russian beverage made from honey, spices, and water. It can be made into a fruit punch by adding berries such as cherries, raspberries, or blackberries. The berries infuse the drink with sweetness and flavor, making it a unique fruit punch.
Why You Should Try It
Sbiten is traditionally a warming drink, but when served chilled with fruit, it transforms into a refreshing beverage. The honey adds a rich sweetness, while the spices provide depth and warmth, making it a complex and satisfying drink.
- Best For: A refreshing fruity drink with a hint of sweetness and spice.
6. Tarkhuna (Тархун)
What Is It?
Tarkhuna is a traditional Russian soft drink made from tarragon, which gives it its signature herbal and slightly sweet flavor. It is typically made with sugar, water, and sometimes lemon, creating a sweet, herbal fruit punch. While it’s not always made with fruit, many modern versions incorporate citrus fruits for added zest.
Why You Should Try It
Tarkhuna’s refreshing, herbal taste is unique and slightly different from traditional fruit punches. It pairs beautifully with citrus fruits, adding an aromatic layer to the drink, and it’s a great alternative to mainstream soda.
- Best For: A refreshing, aromatic drink with an herbal twist that is perfect for summer.
7. Varenye (Варенье)
What Is It?
While varenye traditionally refers to homemade jam, it can also be used to make a sweet, fruity drink. By diluting fruit jam (often raspberry, strawberry, or black currant) with water, you create a sweet, naturally flavored fruit punch. Varenye can be served cold or warm, depending on the season.
Why You Should Try It
Varenye offers a natural, fruity sweetness without the need for refined sugar, making it a healthier alternative to other sugary beverages. It’s a nostalgic drink that takes you back to traditional Russian kitchens, where jam was often made in abundance and used in various ways.
- Best For: A naturally sweet and simple fruit punch made from fresh, homemade jam.
8. Mango or Pineapple Kvass (Манговый или ананасовый квас)
What Is It?
A more modern variation of the classic kvass, this fruit-infused version uses tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits are combined with the typical kvass ingredients, such as water, sugar, and yeast, to create a tangy, fruity, and lightly carbonated drink.
Why You Should Try It
The tropical flavors of mango or pineapple add an exotic twist to the classic kvass, offering a unique combination of tanginess and sweetness. The mild fermentation process gives it a refreshing effervescence, making it a fun, fruity drink to try.
- Best For: A fizzy, fruity twist on a classic Russian drink that’s perfect for hot weather.
9. Cranberry or Lingonberry Punch (Клюквенный или брусничный пунш)
What Is It?
This is a traditional Russian punch made from cranberries or lingonberries, mixed with water, sugar, and sometimes a hint of citrus or spices. It’s a tart, sweet, and refreshing drink, often enjoyed during the summer months.
Why You Should Try It
The tartness of the cranberries or lingonberries creates a refreshing drink that is both sweet and tangy. These berries are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making the punch both delicious and nutritious.
- Best For: A healthy and tart fruit punch that’s packed with antioxidants.
10. Apple and Pear Punch (Яблочно-грушевый пунш)
What Is It?
This simple and delicious punch combines apples and pears with water, sugar, and sometimes a splash of citrus for added brightness. The sweetness of the apples and the crispness of the pears create a well-balanced fruit punch that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Why You Should Try It
Apple and pear punch is a naturally sweet drink that perfectly balances the flavors of both fruits. It’s a refreshing option that is light, hydrating, and ideal for any summer occasion.
- Best For: A light, fruity drink that highlights the classic flavors of apples and pears.
Conclusion
Russia’s rich tradition of fruit punches offers something for every taste, from tangy and sweet to herbal and aromatic. Whether you’re looking for a traditional fruit punch like Mors or a more modern variation such as Mango Kvass, there’s no shortage of refreshing drinks to enjoy on a hot summer day. These beverages not only provide a taste of Russia’s culinary history but also offer a unique way to cool down and stay hydrated. If you’re a tourist in Russia, don’t miss the opportunity to try these diverse and flavorful fruit punches, and embrace a true taste of Russian hospitality!