Traditional Eastern European Kompot

Ingredients

Water

4 cups

Mixed fruits (such as apples, pears, berries, and stone fruits)

4 cups, chopped

Sugar

1/2 cup (adjust to taste)

Lemon juice

2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed

Cinnamon sticks

2

Cloves

4-5 whole

Fresh mint leaves

for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chopped mixed fruits, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the fruits to soften.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the kompot cool for about 10 minutes, letting the spices infuse further.
5. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
6. Allow the kompot to cool completely before straining it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the fruits and spices.
7. Serve the chilled kompot in glasses or mugs, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
8. Enjoy this refreshing and fruity beverage as a delightful thirst quencher!