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Uzvar (Traditional Ukrainian Dried Fruit Drink)

Ukrainian · Dessert

A fragrant, smoky, and naturally sweet traditional Ukrainian national beverage made from a blend of dried fruits and honey, typically served during Christmas Eve and other holidays.

EasyVegetarianVegan
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Uzvar (Traditional Ukrainian Dried Fruit Drink) — recipe cover
4 hr 30 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time10 min
Cook time20 min
Servings8 people
DifficultyEasy
Let's make something good

How to make it

6 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Rinse all dried fruits thoroughly under warm running water

    Rinse all dried fruits thoroughly under warm running water to remove any dust or impurities.

  2. Bring 3 liters of water

    In a large pot, bring 3 liters (3.17 quarts) of water to a boil.

    5 min
  3. Add the dried pears and apples

    Add the dried pears and apples to the boiling water first, as they take the longest to soften. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    10 min
  4. Add the prunes and dried cherries/raisins

    Add the prunes and dried cherries/raisins. Simmer for another 10 minutes until all fruits are tender.

    10 min
  5. Remove the pot from the heat

    Remove the pot from the heat. Cover with a lid and let it steep for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until it reaches room temperature.

    4 hr
  6. Stir in the honey

    Once the Uzvar is warm (not hot, around 40°C (104°F)), stir in the honey until dissolved. Strain if desired, or serve with the fruit.

A little kitchen wisdom

The secret to a great Uzvar is letting it steep for several hours; the longer it sits, the richer the flavor. Always add honey only after the drink has cooled to below 40°C (104°F) to preserve its beneficial properties.

What you'll need

Large potLidStrainer
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

Uzvar is best when made 12-24 hours in advance to let flavors develop.

Store & enjoy

Store in a glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator. Can be served cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed up.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Uzvar (Traditional Ukrainian Dried Fruit Drink)
Step 1 of 6

Rinse all dried fruits thoroughly under warm running water

Rinse all dried fruits thoroughly under warm running water to remove any dust or impurities.