Wild Winter Berry Uzvar

You simply add the compote of softened fruit to a glass, douse with Uzvar, then top off with a sprinkle of sugar. ( You wouldn’t want to do this with this wild berry version of Uzvar as the hawthorn berries have pits and whole rose hips contain very irritating hairs – so keep this in mind when concocting your Uzvar!)

Wild Winter Berry Uzvar

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons cranberries (dried or fresh)
• 3 tablespoons dried rosehips
• 4 tablespoons dried rose petals
• 3 tablespoons hawthorn berries (dried or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons dried oregon grape berries (or dried blueberries)
• the rind & juice of half an orange (save the other half for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1 tablespoon juniper berries (lightly crushed)
• 2 tablespoons dried elderberry blossoms (optional)
• cinnamon stick
• 4 cups of water
• Sugar – to taste
• Honey – to taste

Directions

Wash dried berries thoroughly. Put them with rose petals, elder blossoms, and rosehips into a large bowl. Pour water over so that it just covers the berries. Leave for 2-3 hours.

Add 4 cups of water to a pot. Add the orange rind & juice, cinnamon stick, grated lemon, and berries with the water they were soaking in. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool for a moment, then stir in honey. Cover the pot with a warm tea towel and leave for 5-6 hours to infuse.

Using a coffee filter or very fine cloth sieve off your plant material. Repeat. (This ensures your drink will have less sediment and more clarity.)   Garnish with orange slices.

https://gathervictoria.com/2022/01/06/a-toast-to-ukrainian-christmas-wild-winter-berry-uzvar/