Enjoy the fruitful flavours of Uzbekistan with this traditional fruit compote drink recipe.
In Uzbekistan, the art of slow cooking or stewing fruits to create a luscious blend of flavours is showcased in their fruit compote drinks. This compote recipe reflects Uzbekistan’s rich fruit heritage and the country’s position along the Silk Road, combining diverse influences to create a symphony of flavours and textures.
This Compote Recipe is Versatile
This Uzbek fruit compote recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences and the fruits you have available at hand or throughout the season. Whether you choose fresh or dried fruits, the compote can be adapted to your taste and preference. Use dried fruits or fresh fruits, and sweeten them with honey or another natural sweetener if you want to avoid sugar! You can even serve it chilled, as a cool & refreshing finale to any meal, or hot for a warming & comforting drink on a cold winter’s day. Some will make it thick and stewy and some may prefer it as a drink and puree the fruit for a sauce or spread. You decide!
What Fruit can be used for this compote drink?
Apples, pears, plums, raisins, sultanas, apricots, dates, and berries, all in fresh or dried form. The only fruit I have never seen it done with is bananas and melons. 🙂

Fruit Compote is Economical
What makes the Uzbek fruit compote even more appealing is its longevity. Kept in the refrigerator, it can last up to 2 weeks, providing an extended period to savour its deliciousness. Additionally, if you wish to prolong its lifespan, you can freeze it, ensuring you can enjoy the taste of this Uzbek delight whenever the mood strikes.
This recipe is also really good for using up ripe fruit before it goes bad, we have all had apples, pears, apricots and even grapes that have started to whimper in the corner of the kitchen table at some point. Making fruit compote is a great way to save them from going to waste. Instead, you will recreate them into a tasty drink that will save your pennies on fruit teas and fruit squash drinks.
Storing Fruit Compote
Stored in a sealed container, this fruit compote drink will keep for at least one to two weeks in the fridge. The fruit components are also freezable, just store it in a freezer-safe container and it should stay good for 3-4 months. My family likes the fruit pureed for spreading on bread or swirling into some natural yoghurt, if this is the case with you, you may puree the fruit first before freezing.
How to Serve this Fruit Compote Drink
As mentioned above, this recipe is for a drink, a drink you can enjoy hot or cold. In Uzbekistan it is usually enjoyed cold and can be served like a punch or fruit cocktail. The fruits are saved and pureed to enjoy as a spread, sweet dip or sauce that can be swirled into yoghurt, cakes and desserts.
For traditional Uzbeks, the flavours of this fruit compote recipe transport them to the vibrant landscapes and rich traditions of their beautiful land. So, whether you’re seeking a refreshing treat or a dish to showcase on special occasions, the Uzbek fruit compote is a delightful embodiment of Uzbekistan’s gastronomic tapestry, inviting you to savour the sweet symphony of its flavours.
How to Make Dried Fruit Compote Drink
Ingredients
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 dried apple slices
2 1/2 ltrs water
sugar/ honey to taste
Method
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a medium saucepan, add the dried apples, pitted prunes, dried apricots, and raisins.
- Add the water (if you want the stewy compote consistency, just add enough water to just cover the fruit. Then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover the pot and simmer and stir occasionally for about 15 minutes.
- Add the sugar or honey, and any extra spices you might like, such as cloves, cinnamon or all-spice.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, adding more water if needed to retain the consistency.
- Then continue to simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes or until the fruit has softened and let out all its flavours. (If aiming for the thick version cook on low heat until the syrup is thick.)
- Chill several hours before serving.

Dried Fruit Compote Drink
Ingredients
- ½ cup Dried apricots
- ½ cup Prunes or dates seeded
- ½ cup Raisins
- ½ cup Dried apple slices
- 2½ ltr Water
- sugar or honey (to taste)
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients and place them in a medium saucepan, add the dried apples, pitted prunes, dried apricots, and raisins.
- Add the water. (not boiled)
- When bought to a boil, reduce the heat & cover the pot.
- Let simmer and stir occasionally for about 15 minutes.
- Add the sugar or honey, and any extra spices you might like, such as cloves, cinnamon or all-spice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, adding more water if needed to retain the consistency.
- Then continue to simmer gently, uncovered, for another 15 to 30 minutes or until the fruit has softened and let out all its flavours.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into a jug or bottle. Chill several hours in the fridge before serving.