Kvass: The Slavic Fermented Drink

Admit it: when you hear "fermented drink," you immediately think kombucha, kefir, or kimchi. But have you ever heard of surica? No? Yet, among our Slavic neighbors, this drink is as natural as breathing fresh morning air. And for good reason — it has existed for centuries.

Surica fermenting in a large glass jar with elderflower, chamomile, lemon balm, and red berries, showing natural fermentation bubbles.

But what exactly is surica?

Surica — also called surja (meaning "sun" in Old Slavic), stotrawie, or "solar honey" — is a traditional fermented drink from Central and Eastern Europe. It could be described as the perfect cross between homemade artisanal lemonade and a very light herbal mead.

Its base? Simple and beautiful: water, honey, and everything nature offers you — aromatic herbs, wild flowers, wild berries, medicinal plants.

Its taste? Slightly sweet, delicately tangy, refreshing, and lightly sparkling. A bit like nature itself preparing you a lemonade.

A drink from ancient times

In Slavic mythology, surica is not just a drink — it's almost a deity! It bears the name of the goddess of the sun, joy, light, and love. According to legend, it was the goddess Lada herself who taught mortals the art of preparing this nectar: herbs and flowers steeped in honeyed water, then exposed to the sun so its rays could transform them into an elixir.

Our Slavic ancestors firmly believed that the sun charged the drink with its energy and power. Romantic, isn't it? And ultimately not so far from reality — heat does play a key role in the natural fermentation process.

Once prepared in wooden barrels or clay jars, surica is now made in large glass jars — more hygienic, just as poetic.

Why is surica coming back into fashion?

Let's be honest: we live in an era where kombucha reigns in all the trendy fridges of Paris, and everyone talks about the microbiome as if it were the capital's latest fashionable neighborhood. Surica, however, didn't wait for social media to have its virtues.

Here's why this ancestral drink deserves a place in your summer daily life:

Support for your gut microbiome Thanks to the natural fermentation process, surica can contain beneficial microorganisms that contribute to a balanced gut flora. Your belly says thank you.
A natural source of antioxidants Especially if prepared with good quality honey and polyphenol-rich plants — lemon balm, elderflower, mint, red berries...
More pleasant hydration Its slightly tangy and refreshing taste makes you want to drink — much more than plain water for some. Perfect for staying hydrated during hot summer days.
Support for general vitality Honey and the plants used have been associated with natural body strengthening for centuries.
A healthy alternative to sodas A well-prepared surica contains much less sugar than an industrial soda, without artificial colors or preservatives. And frankly, it looks much prettier in a glass.

A small honest caveat: surica is not a miracle cure. People allergic to bee products should avoid it. Diabetics should choose low-sugar versions and consult their doctor. And if you have acid reflux, start with small quantities.

Bottle of naturally sparkling surica served with a glass garnished with fruit

How to prepare surica at home?

Good news: it's much simpler than it seems. The only essential ingredient? Patience — and a few days of good weather.

What you need:

1 large 3-liter glass jar (previously sterilized)
150 g of quality honey (flower, acacia, or linden)
1 liter of water (filtered or spring water, not chlorinated tap water)
A generous handful of plants, flowers, and herbs of your choice

The best plants for your summer surica:

Mint, lemon balm, black elderflowers, lavender, lemon verbena, blackcurrant leaves, chamomile flowers, wild rose petals, thyme, linden... Let your garden, balcony, or local market guide you. The main thing is to avoid bitter plants like wormwood or dandelion — they would spoil the taste.

Step-by-step recipe:

Step 1 — Boil your water and let it cool to about 40°C (it should not be boiling to preserve the properties of the honey). Dissolve the honey in it.

Step 2 — Fill your jar one-third full with your plants, flowers, and fruits. Compose freely according to your desires and what you have on hand.

Step 3 — Pour the honeyed water up to 4/5 of the jar. Leave some space — the plants will rise to the surface during fermentation.

Step 4 — Cover the jar with a linen cloth or gauze (not an airtight lid — fermentation needs air!), and secure with an elastic band.

Step 5 — Expose your jar to the sun, on a balcony, terrace, or sunny windowsill. For a minimum of 3 days, up to 2 weeks depending on your taste.

Step 6 — Each day, gently stir with a sterilized spoon and push down any plants that rise to the surface.

Step 7 — Taste regularly! When the drink seems lightly sparkling and tangy to your liking, it's ready.

Step 8 — Strain, bottle, and store in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 weeks.

The color of your surica will depend on the plants chosen — it will always be beautiful, often golden, sometimes pinkish if you add rose petals or red berries. That's also part of the magic.

Group of friends tasting surica, a naturally sparkling fermented drink with plants and red berries, during a picnic by a lake in summer.

How to consume it?

Start slowly: about 100 to 150 ml per day for the first few days, then gradually increase to one glass per day. For fermented drinks, regularity is key.

Serve it well chilled with ice cubes, a few fresh mint leaves, and a lemon slice. You can also dilute it slightly with sparkling water for an original and refreshing summer mocktail.

So, tempted by the Slavic adventure?

Other ways to stay well-hydrated this summer

Surica is ideally prepared with fresh plants from the garden or market — that's its summer magic. But in summer, hydration isn't limited to a single jar on the balcony!

If you're looking for other ways to make your water more delicious and natural, try our traditional fruit syrups — raspberry, cherry, strawberry, black elderberry, aronia — or our vitamin C-enriched syrups for a little summer boost. Dilute in still or sparkling water, add a few ice cubes, a mint leaf... and your homemade mocktail is ready in 30 seconds.

Traditional and vitamin C-enriched syrups on a wooden table

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Under no circumstances should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis formulated by a doctor or health professional, who alone are capable of adequately assessing your state of health.