Description
This Cherry Hibiscus Refresher is a vibrant and refreshing beverage combining the tart sweetness of fresh cherries, the floral notes of hibiscus tea, and a touch of lime for brightness. Perfectly suited for warm days, it delivers a delightful balance of flavors with a homemade cherry syrup that elevates the 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
- Lots of ice
Hibiscus Tea (for brewing)
- Dried hibiscus flowers
- Hot water
Instructions
- Pit the cherries: Start by removing the pits from your cherries. You can use a metal straw, slice them in half and remove the seed by hand, or use a cherry pitter for ease and speed.
- Make the cherry syrup: Place the pitted cherries, water, honey or cane sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large pot. Heat the mixture over medium heat on the stove. Let it simmer until it starts to produce froth. At this point, gently mash the cherries with a fork or potato masher until soft. Continue simmering and mashing for about 5 more minutes to evaporate excess water and concentrate the syrup.
- Strain and store the syrup: Once the syrup has thickened to a jam-like consistency, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to separate the liquid syrup from the cherry pulp. Set the pulp aside for other uses, like cherry almond butter toast. Transfer the strained syrup to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the hibiscus tea: Brew 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water according to package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes, then strain and cool slightly.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a cup with plenty of ice. Pour the brewed hibiscus tea over the ice, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the homemade cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Stir or shake vigorously to combine all flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the mixed drink into a glass if shaken separately or enjoy directly. This refreshing cherry hibiscus drink is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less honey or sugar according to your taste.
- Reserve the cherry pulp strained from the syrup to make cherry almond butter toast or add to yogurt for a delicious snack.
- Hibiscus tea can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference for the refresher.
- If you don’t have a cherry pitter, using a metal straw works well for pitting cherries easily.
- The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
