No. 3450 — Berezovik: Birch Sap Drink
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3450 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
In spring the source instructs cutting through the bark of a healthy large birch, making a crosswise opening and inserting a short wooden spout to direct the sap into a tub. It estimates 1–4 vedros sap from a suitable tree, noting that some give none.
Pour 1 vedro birch sap into a one-and-a-half-vedro barrel, then add 3 bottles inexpensive light Hungarian white wine, 1 bottle another wine listed separately, 2 bottles French vodka, 3–6 pounds sugar to taste and 3 pounds good raisins.
Stir until the sugar dissolves, tightly plug and seal the barrel with resin, and store on ice for two and a half months.
Bottle, cork, seal and keep the bottles on their sides in sand in a cellar.