What ancient Slavic drinks are known to many? Probably kvass, mors, and mead. However, sbiten also enjoyed great popularity. In pre-revolutionary Penza, it could be tried at a café on Moskovskaya Street, 70.

This café was run by the merchant Ivan Sazonov. Inside, there was a small room with tables, and the sbiten was prepared in a neighboring wing. This drink is first mentioned in chronicles from 1128, that is, even before the founding of Moscow. Sbiten was made in two vessels: in one, herbs such as sage, St. John's wort, ginger, and pod pepper were infused, while in the other, honey was heated. Before serving, the contents of the vessels were mixed, resulting in a thick invigorating drink. There were about 50 recipes for sbiten, including alcoholic ones. Honey was often mixed with wine and various spices were added; sometimes the drink's strength reached 7 degrees. For a long time, this Slavic cocktail was more popular than tea, and street vendors selling sbiten could be found. It not only warmed in the cold but also quenched thirst in the heat.

The mass consumption of sbiten began to decline in the 1920s. Today, this ancient aromatic drink is almost forgotten, giving way to tea.