Forget about fizzy drinks, artificial juices, and sugary sodas. Eastern Europe has been making its own refreshing beverages for centuries — and they taste nothing like what you find on supermarket shelves. Kompot, uzvar, and kissel are three traditional drinks that have been a staple of Eastern European households for generations. Each one is made from real fruit, naturally sweet, and bursting with flavour. At Varenik&Pelmen, we are proud to bring these authentic drinks to London so you can enjoy them alongside our dumplings, pancakes, and other favourites.
What Is Kompot?
Kompot Definition and Pronunciation
Kompot (pronounced “kom-POT”) is a traditional Eastern European fruit drink made by gently simmering fresh or dried fruits in water with a small amount of sugar. It is not a juice, not a cordial, and not a smoothie — it is something entirely different. The fruit is cooked just enough to release its flavour and colour into the water, creating a light, refreshing, and naturally sweet beverage. Kompot can be served warm or chilled, and it is one of the most common homemade drinks across Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and many other Eastern European countries.
The History of Kompot
Kompot has been made in Eastern European homes for centuries. Before the era of commercial soft drinks and packaged juices, every household made their own kompot using whatever fruit was in season — apples, pears, plums, cherries, berries, or a combination of them all. It was the everyday drink served at lunch and dinner, far more common than tea or water in many families. The tradition of making kompot has been passed down through generations, and it remains a beloved staple to this day.
How Kompot Is Made
The process is beautifully simple. Fresh or frozen fruit is placed in a large pot of water, brought to a gentle boil, and simmered with a modest amount of sugar until the fruit softens and the liquid takes on a rich colour and flavour. The fruit is sometimes left in the drink and sometimes strained out. The result is a clean, fruity beverage that is far lighter and more refreshing than juice, with none of the heaviness or artificial sweetness of commercial drinks.
What Is Uzvar?
Uzvar Definition and Pronunciation
Uzvar (pronounced “ooz-VAR”) is a traditional Eastern European drink made from dried fruits — typically a combination of dried apples, pears, prunes, and sometimes raisins or apricots. It is closely related to kompot but is specifically made with dried rather than fresh fruit, which gives it a deeper, richer, and more complex flavour profile. Uzvar is particularly associated with Ukrainian and wider Eastern European Christmas traditions, though it is enjoyed year-round.
The History of Uzvar
Uzvar holds a special place in Eastern European culture. In Ukraine, it is one of the twelve traditional dishes served on Christmas Eve, symbolising abundance and family togetherness. The name “uzvar” comes from the word meaning “to boil” or “to brew,” reflecting the simple preparation method. Historically, dried fruits were one of the few ways to preserve the harvest through the long winter months, making uzvar a practical and delicious way to enjoy fruit flavour even in the coldest season.
How Uzvar Is Made
Dried fruits are washed, placed in water, and slowly brought to a gentle simmer. Unlike kompot, uzvar is often prepared with little or no added sugar — the natural sweetness of the dried fruits is usually sufficient. The slow cooking process allows the dried fruits to rehydrate and release their concentrated flavours into the liquid. The result is a drink with a deeper, more caramelised sweetness than kompot, with complex fruity notes and a beautiful amber colour.
What Is Kissel?
Kissel Definition and Pronunciation
Kissel (pronounced “kee-SEL”) is a traditional Eastern European fruit drink thickened with starch to give it a smooth, slightly viscous texture. Think of it as something between a drink and a dessert — thicker than juice but thinner than a smoothie. Kissel is made from fresh or frozen berries, fruit juice, or kompot, with potato or corn starch added to create its signature silky consistency. It is one of the most unique and comforting beverages in Eastern European cuisine.
The History of Kissel
Kissel has ancient roots in Eastern European cuisine, with records of the drink dating back many centuries. It was originally made from fermented oat or wheat starch and had a more savoury character. Over time, the recipe evolved to use fruit and berry bases with potato starch, creating the sweet, fruity version that is popular today. Kissel became a staple dessert drink in homes, schools, and canteens across Eastern Europe — a comforting, nourishing, and naturally sweet treat that generations grew up enjoying.
How Kissel Is Made
Fresh or frozen berries — such as cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, or cherries — are simmered in water with sugar to create a flavourful fruit base. Separately, starch is dissolved in cold water and then stirred into the hot fruit mixture. As the starch heats up, it thickens the liquid into a smooth, glossy consistency. The thickness can be adjusted from a pourable drink to an almost pudding-like dessert, depending on how much starch is used. The result is a warm, silky, fruity drink with a satisfying body that no other beverage can match.
Traditional Drinks at Varenik&Pelmen
The Perfect Pairing for Dumplings
At Varenik&Pelmen, we believe that a great meal deserves a great drink. Our traditional kompot, uzvar, and kissel are made fresh and designed to complement our pelmeni, vareniki, bliny, and syrniky perfectly. The light, fruity sweetness of these drinks balances the rich, savoury flavours of our dumplings and pancakes, creating a complete and authentic Eastern European dining experience.
Which Drink Should You Choose?
If you want something light and refreshing, go for kompot. If you prefer a deeper, richer flavour with natural sweetness, try uzvar. And if you are looking for something truly unique — a drink with body, texture, and warmth — kissel is the one for you. Of course, you can always try all three and find your favourite.
Nutritional Information
Are These Drinks Healthy?
All three drinks are made from real fruit with minimal added sugar, making them a far healthier choice than commercial soft drinks or packaged juices. They contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Kompot and uzvar are naturally low in calories, while kissel is slightly more substantial due to the starch content. All three provide natural vitamins and nutrients from the fruit used in their preparation.
Dietary and Allergen Information
Are These Drinks Suitable for Everyone?
Kompot, uzvar, and kissel are all naturally vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free. They contain no gluten in their standard preparation, though kissel may contain traces of starch derived from different sources. For full allergen details, visit our allergens page. If you have specific dietary requirements, our staff are always happy to help.
Visit Varenik&Pelmen
Try These Traditional Drinks in London
The best way to discover kompot, uzvar, and kissel is to taste them for yourself. Visit Varenik&Pelmen at an upcoming London market or pop-up and pair a traditional drink with our freshly made dumplings, pancakes, and more. Everything is priced at £5 per 100g — take what you want, pay for what you take.