Kompot

Kompot, also known as compote, is a delightful non-alcoholic beverage that can be enjoyed either hot or cold, making it a versatile treat for any season. This drink is prepared by simmering a mix of fruits such as strawberries, apricots, peaches, apples, rhubarb, plums, or sour cherries in plenty of water. To enhance its sweetness, sugar or raisins are often added, and for an extra layer of flavor, spices like vanilla or cinnamon can be included, especially when served warm during the winter.

This refreshing drink is a staple in many Central and Eastern European countries, as well as in Southern Europe. Kompot is cherished in nations such as Albania, Armenia, Belarus, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania, Austria, Greece, Georgia, Cyprus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Syria. Historically, it was a popular way to preserve fruit for the winter months in Southern and Eastern Europe.

However, since the 1980s, the popularity of kompot has waned, as more people have turned to other beverages like fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

A similar beverage to kompot is uzvar, or vzvar, which is made from an assortment of dried fruits and sometimes berries, sweetened with honey or sugar. This traditional drink shares the same comforting and fruity essence as kompot, making it another beloved choice in these regions.