Step-by-Step Instructions

With your image included exactly how your workflow requires.

Step 1 — Add Fruit to a Large Pot

Place 4–5 cups of fruit into a large pot.
If using cherries or plums, pits are optional — some families leave them in.

Step 2 — Add Water

Pour in 8 cups of water.
Stir gently.

Step 3 — Add Sugar

Start with ½ cup.
Add more later depending on your fruit and your taste.

Step 4 — Bring to a Boil

Heat over medium-high until water begins to boil gently.

Step 5 — Add Spices (Optional)

• Cloves

• Cinnamon

• Lemon slices

These deepen the flavor, especially in winter.

Step 6 — Simmer

Reduce heat and simmer 15–25 minutes.

Fruit should:

• soften

• release its juices

• tint the water a beautiful ruby color

(Your pitcher is the perfect color — proof the simmer time was just right!)

Step 7 — Taste & Adjust

Add:

• more sugar

• a splash of lemon

• honey

Adjust sweetness to your liking.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let kompot come to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge.

Step 9 — Serve

Serve cold with fruit still inside the pitcher — the most traditional way.

 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

 Kompot too pale?

Use dark fruit (cherries, blackberries, currants).

 Too sweet?

Add lemon juice or dilute with cold water.

 Not sweet enough?

Add a tablespoon of sugar at a time until perfect.

 Fruit too mushy?

Reduce simmer time next batch.

 Want stronger flavor?

Simmer 10 minutes longer.

 Serving for guests?

Serve in clear glasses so the beautiful color shows.

Variations & Add-Ins

 

 Classic Cherry Kompot (Wiśniowy)

Use only cherries for a deep flavor.

 Apple Kompot (Jabłkowy)

Add cinnamon stick + cloves.

 Mixed Berry Kompot

Strawberries + raspberries + blueberries.

 Summer Stone Fruit

Peaches + plums + apricots.

 Pear Kompot

Delicate, lightly sweet, great warm.

 Holiday Kompot

Cranberries + orange slices + cinnamon.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve kompot:

• Chilled for summer dinners

• Warm in winter with cloves and cinnamon

• With meals, especially:
  – potatoes
  – cutlets
  – cabbage rolls

• At family gatherings and holidays

• As an after-school drink for kids

 Storage, Freezer & Make-Ahead

 

Refrigerator

Keeps 4–5 days.

Freezer

Freeze in jars (leave room at top!) up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead

Kompot tastes better after 12 hours — flavors deepen as it chills.

FAQs

Is kompot healthy?
Yes — naturally sweetened, fruit-based, and hydrating.

Can I reuse the cooked fruit?
Absolutely. Eat it with yogurt, oatmeal, or freeze it for smoothies.

Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes — use honey or your preferred sweetener.

Do you drink the fruit pieces?
Yes! Kids especially love scooping the softened fruit.

Kompot is one of those beautiful, simple traditions that deserves to make a comeback. It’s refreshing, economical, kid-friendly, and full of natural fruit flavor. And when you serve it chilled in a glass pitcher, just like in the photo above, it brings a touch of old-world hospitality right to your table.

If you make this Polish kompot, I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to pin it for summer!