Description
This Cherry Hibiscus Refresher is a vibrant and refreshing drink perfect for warm days. It combines the natural sweetness of homemade cherry syrup with tart hibiscus tea and fresh lime juice, served over ice for a cooling beverage that’s both fruity and floral. Ideal for summer gatherings or a revitalizing treat anytime.
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: Pit the cherries using a metal straw, by slicing them in half and removing the stones, or using a cherry pitter to prepare them for cooking.
- 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 and let the cherries simmer until they begin to froth. Gently mash the cherries with a fork or potato masher once they soften, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to concentrate the syrup by evaporating excess water.
- Strain and store: After the syrup has thickened slightly, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, reserving the cherry pulp for another use like cherry almond butter toast. Transfer the strained syrup into a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Brew hibiscus tea: Brew 1/2 cup hibiscus tea according to package instructions—typically steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes, then cooling.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a glass with plenty of ice, pour in the brewed hibiscus tea, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Stir well or shake vigorously to combine all flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Sip the refreshing cherry hibiscus drink immediately for the best chilled taste.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sugar used in the syrup.
- Reserve the strained cherry pulp and use it as a flavorful spread or topping for toast.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the refresher.
- Hibiscus tea can be served warm or cold; for this recipe, chill it before mixing or use immediately over ice.
- Store the cherry syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
