Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cherry Hibiscus Refresher combining the natural sweetness of cherries with the floral tartness of hibiscus tea, enhanced by a splash of lime juice and a homemade cherry syrup. Perfect for a cool, invigorating beverage on warm days.
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 Drink
- 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: Remove the pits from the cherries using a metal straw, halving and removing seeds, or a cherry pitter to prepare them for cooking.
- Make the cherry syrup: Combine the pitted cherries, water, honey or cane sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large pot. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer until frothy. Gently mash the cherries with a fork or potato masher once soft, then continue simmering for 5 more minutes to concentrate the syrup by evaporating excess water.
- Strain and store the syrup: Pour the thickened cherry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Reserve the cherry pulp for other recipes, and transfer the syrup into a jar. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Brew hibiscus tea: Brew 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea using dried hibiscus flowers or a hibiscus tea bag following package instructions for optimal flavor.
- Make your refresher: Fill a cup with lots of ice, pour the freshly brewed hibiscus tea over it, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of cherry syrup and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Stir or shake vigorously to combine all flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the cherry syrup by adding more or less honey or sugar according to your preference.
- Reserve the cherry pulp after straining to use in recipes like cherry almond butter toast for no waste.
- The refresher is best served chilled with plenty of ice for a truly refreshing experience.
- For a tart twist, increase the lime juice slightly, or for more sweetness, add extra syrup.
- Make sure to brew the hibiscus tea properly to avoid bitterness; steeping for 5-7 minutes is recommended.
