Description
A refreshing and naturally sweet Cherry Hibiscus Refresher made with a homemade cherry syrup, tangy lime juice, and floral hibiscus tea. Perfect for a revitalizing summer beverage that combines fruity tartness with floral notes and a touch of sweetness.
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: Start by pitting your cherries. You can easily do this using a metal straw to push through the cherry, slicing them in half and removing the seed manually, or using a cherry pitter tool for speed and convenience.
- Make the cherry syrup: Add the pitted cherries to a large pot along with water, honey or cane sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the pot over medium heat on the stove and let it simmer until the cherries start to froth. Then gently mash the cherries with a fork or potato masher until soft. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 5 minutes. This allows excess water to evaporate, creating a thick, concentrated cherry syrup.
- Strain and store the syrup: Once the syrup has thickened, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to separate the liquid from the pulp. Reserve the cherry pulp to use later in recipes like cherry almond butter toast. Transfer the syrup to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Brew hibiscus tea: Prepare 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for about 5 minutes, then strain the tea leaves out.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a glass with lots of ice. Pour the brewed hibiscus tea over the ice, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Stir or shake the mixture vigorously to combine all flavors well.
- Serve and enjoy: Your Cherry Hibiscus Refresher is ready to be enjoyed as a chilled, flavorful drink perfect for hot days or any time you need a fruity pick-me-up.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sugar in the cherry syrup.
- Save the leftover cherry pulp for delicious recipes such as cherry almond butter toast.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor.
- Hibiscus tea can be found in specialty tea shops or online; make sure to brew it according to package instructions.
- Store cherry syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
