Somewhere between a fruit punch and a slow-simmered tea, kompot is a centuries-old Eastern European staple that turns seasonal fruit into a fragrant, subtly sweet drink. Whether served hot in the winter or chilled in the summer, it carries the soul of home cooking—simple, adaptable, and brimming with nostalgia.
Think of it as the cousin of Southern sweet tea, but with plums, cherries, or apples steeped like a French tisane. This technique, used from Poland to Uzbekistan, extracts deep flavor without artificial sweetness, letting the fruit shine.
This chilled drink complements Crab Cakes In The Oven and Fried Crab Legs so well. It’s a no-waste recipe, too, since the softened fruit can be repurposed into a rustic jam or topping for yogurt. However you serve it, kompot is a reminder that the best flavors often come from the simplest methods.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe!
- The natural sweetness blew me away. I thought I’d need sugar, but the simmering process draws out just the right amount of sweetness from the fruit itself.
- It’s the ultimate fridge-cleaning recipe. Got a bruised apple or some almost-too-ripe berries? Throw them in—kompot is incredibly forgiving.
- The leftovers are pure gold. The softened fruit makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, oatmeal, or even a quick tart filling.
- It’s an easy swap for sugary drinks. Whether warm or cold, it satisfies a craving without the heavy syrups found in store-bought juices.
- It tastes like comfort in a cup. A warm mug of spiced apple kompot on a chilly evening feels like a hug from an old friend.
Kompot Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Strainer (optional)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 lb mixed fruit
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Start by washing all the fruit thoroughly.
- Chop apples and other larger fruits into rough pieces and remove pits from any stone fruits.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the prepared fruit and let it cook uncovered for about 5–7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, stir in sugar to taste, and allow it to dissolve as the juice cools.
- Depending on preference, you can strain the fruit out or leave it in.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Experiment with different fruits like pears, cherries, or citrus slices for unique flavors.
- Add a cinnamon stick, vanilla, or a few cloves for extra warmth and depth.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 62kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
