Strawberry & Rhubarb Kompot – A Taste of Polish Summer
If you grew up in a Polish home or visited a Polish milk bar even once, you probably remember kompot – that sweet, fruit-based drink always served with dinner. Room temperature, no ice, no bubbles – just fruit, sugar, and water. Simple and honest.
Today I’m sharing a summer version of this classic: Strawberry and Rhubarb Kompot, made just like my family used to. It’s refreshing, naturally sweet (but not too much!), and full of that old-fashioned charm we all miss sometimes.
This kompot reminds me of home, summer vacations, and long dinners with family. It’s also a lovely way to use up extra rhubarb and strawberries during peak season.
Ingredients:
- 500 g strawberries (about 2 heaping handfuls), cleaned and halved
- 500 g red rhubarb (about 3 stalks), washed and cut into chunks
- 2 liters of water
- sugar to taste (you can also use honey, cane sugar, erythritol, or your favorite sweetener)
Here is a short movie on how I make Strawberry & Rbubarb Kompot:
Instructions:
- Clean and chop the fruit.
- Place strawberries and rhubarb in a large pot. Add 2 liters of water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
- Sweeten to taste – traditionally, Polish kompot is only lightly sweet. Adjust based on your preference.
- Let the kompot cool naturally. I love to leave it overnight – this gives the drink a rich, deep red color.
- Serve at room temperature for the classic experience, or chill it in the fridge and pour over ice for a modern twist.
How to Serve Strawberry and Rhubarb Kompot:
Traditionally, kompot is served with lunch or dinner, just like a soft drink. In Polish school cafeterias and milk bars, it’s always at room temperature – no frills, just flavor. But at home, I often chill it for that refreshing hit on a hot summer day.
Let me know in the comments – did you drink kompot growing up? What flavors did your family make? Apple? Cherry? Mixed fruit? I’d love to hear your stories.
Smacznego!
Follow for more easy Polish recipes in English – made for the next generation of Polish home cooks around the world.
If you liked my posts and tried my recipes, you can consider buying me a coffee. Or rather I should say: you can buy me a flour for Pierogi, cabbage for Gołąbki and beets for Barszcz:) This would help me to cook more and publish more delicious recipes for You. www.buymeacoffee.com/cookinpolish.
Comment on the post if you have questions, other ideas on the recipe or just enjoyed reading. I would be happy to see your thoughts on my posts!
Thanks for liking and sharing my recipes to your friends – it helps to develop my blog!
Polish food recipes, sentimental Polish cuisine, only tried and true recipes, Polish American.
