Ancient Ukrainian refreshers that deserve comeback this summer
8 traditional Ukrainian drinks that refresh in summer (photo: freepik.com)
On hot summer days, when even water doesn't help, it's the perfect time to remember how our ancestors used to refresh themselves. Just a hundred years ago, Ukrainians quenched their thirst with natural drinks free from preservatives and sugar. Here are eight traditional Ukrainian drinks perfect for cooling down in the heat.
Kvass
Kvass is one of the oldest drinks, and it has been known since the times of Kyivan Rus. It was made from rye bread or flour, adding malt. In villages, people also prepared beet, apple, and honey kvass. Thanks to natural fermentation, this drink is rich in probiotics and B vitamins and is excellent for quenching thirst.
Uzvar
A classic drink made from dried fruits (apples, pears, plums), it is traditionally consumed at Christmas, but in summer, it tastes just as good, served chilled and with mint or lemon. Thanks to potassium and pectin, it hydrates well and improves digestion.
Whey
Low in calories and rich in electrolytes, milk whey has long been considered an "anti-heat" drink in many regions. It was consumed as-is or with added herbs, cucumbers, or garlic.
Birch sap
A seasonal drink is collected in spring but preserved for the entire summer. It contains minerals and enzymes and benefits the kidneys and the immune system.
Medovukha (non-alcoholic version)
This is not the kind of medovukha you might be thinking of. In the heat, our ancestors drank a lightly fermented water with honey and herbs (sometimes with added lemon). The drink was not only refreshing but also disinfecting thanks to the antiseptic properties of honey.
Kissel
Although modern kissel is mostly a dessert (and not very popular in cities), it was once prepared as a liquid and drunk cold. Cranberry or cherry kissel perfectly quenches thirst and reduces stomach acidity.
Kalynnyk
One of the lesser-known but very colorful Ukrainian drinks, it has been prepared in many regions of Ukraine since ancient times. The main ingredient is viburnum berries, which were considered sacred by the Slavs and symbolized feminine strength, blood, kin, and the immortality of the people.
On hot summer days, people drank kalynnyk chilled as a refreshing and healing drink. It was often served to children instead of compote or water since viburnum is rich in trace elements and vitamins and gently stimulates the immune system.
Yahodanka
This fragrant traditional Ukrainian drink is made from various forest and garden berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, currants, mulberries). In villages, it was often called "cold berry uzvar."
Previously, we shared 10 Ukrainian drinks unknown in the USA and Europe.
Sources: Institute of Nutrition of the NAAS of Ukraine, Ministry of Health of Ukraine website, online resource ETNOKHATA.
