Description
This Cherry Hibiscus Refresher is a vibrant, naturally sweetened beverage perfect for a refreshing drink on warm days. Combining the tartness of cherries with the floral notes of hibiscus tea and a hint of lime, this drink is easy to prepare and full of bright flavors. Made with a homemade cherry syrup simmered down to concentrate its sweetness, it balances perfectly with the tangy hibiscus infusion and a touch of honey or cane sugar for natural 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
- Prep the cherries: Start by pitting the cherries using a metal straw, by slicing them in half and removing the seeds, or with a cherry pitter to make the process easier and quicker.
- Make the cherry syrup: Place the pitted cherries in a large pot along with water, honey or cane sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium stove heat until it begins to simmer and froth. Gently mash the cherries with a fork or potato masher as they soften, then let the mixture continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken and the water to evaporate.
- Strain and store the syrup: Once the syrup has thickened slightly, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, separating the syrup from the cherry pulp. Reserve the pulp for other recipes like cherry almond butter toast. Transfer the cherry syrup into a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Brew hibiscus tea: Brew 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea according to package instructions, typically by steeping dried hibiscus flowers or a hibiscus tea bag in hot water for 5-7 minutes, then allowing it to cool.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a glass with plenty of ice. Pour in the brewed hibiscus tea, followed by 3 to 4 tablespoons of the homemade cherry syrup and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Stir well or shake vigorously to combine all flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately as a cool, flavorful, and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- You can adjust the honey or cane sugar quantity based on desired sweetness.
- The cherry pulp saved from straining is delicious when spread on toast with almond butter.
- Ensure the hibiscus tea is fully cooled before mixing to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
- For a fizzy variation, top the refresher with sparkling water before serving.
- Store leftover cherry syrup in the refrigerator for up to one week.
