Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cherry Hibiscus Refresher made from a homemade cherry syrup, tangy lime juice, and floral hibiscus tea. Perfect for a hot day, this cool beverage blends sweet cherry flavors with the tartness of hibiscus and lime for a delightful, thirst-quenching drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Syrup
- 2 cups (350 g with pits) cherries, pitted
- 1 cup (225 g) water
- 1/2 cup (140 g) honey or cane sugar
- Pinch of salt
Refresher
- 3 tbsp (48 g) cherry syrup
- 2 tbsp (23 g) lime juice
- 1/2 cup hibiscus tea, brewed
- Lots of ice
Instructions
- Pit the cherries: Prepare the cherries by removing the pits. You can pit them using a metal straw, slice them in half and remove the seeds, or use a cherry pitter to make the process easier and quicker.
- Make the cherry syrup: In a large pot, combine the pitted cherries, water, honey (or cane sugar), and a pinch of salt. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. As the cherries soften and start to froth, gently mash them with a fork or potato masher to release their juices and flavors.
- Simmer to thicken: Continue cooking the mixture for about 5 more minutes, allowing the excess water to evaporate so the syrup concentrates and thickens nicely. The cherry mixture should become rich and syrupy in texture during this time.
- Strain the syrup: Once thickened, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, catching and discarding the solids (or saving the cherry pulp for other uses like cherry almond butter toast). Transfer the strained syrup to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Brew the hibiscus tea: Prepare 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea by steeping hibiscus petals or a hibiscus tea bag in hot water for about 5 minutes, then allow it to cool. This tea provides a floral, tart base to complement the cherry syrup.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a glass with plenty of ice. Pour in the cooled hibiscus tea, add 3-4 tablespoons of the homemade cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Stir or shake vigorously to mix all elements thoroughly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately as a revitalizing cold beverage, perfect for warm weather or whenever you crave a fruity, floral refreshment.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sugar in the syrup or the quantity of syrup used in the drink.
- Save the cherry pulp left after straining for use in other recipes like spreads or baking.
- If hibiscus tea is unavailable, substitute with a tart herbal tea like cranberry or rosehip for a similar floral note.
- To ensure the best flavor, use ripe, fresh cherries when making the syrup.
- Store the cherry syrup refrigerated for up to 1 week.
