Description
This Cherry Hibiscus Refresher is a vibrant, fruity beverage combining the tartness of hibiscus tea with the sweet, rich flavor of homemade cherry syrup. Perfect for a hot day, this refreshing drink blends fresh cherries simmered into syrup with cool hibiscus tea and a splash of lime for a tangy twist.
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: Prepare the cherries by removing the pits. You can do this by using a metal straw, slicing cherries in half and removing the seeds, or using a cherry pitter.
- Make the cherry syrup: Add the pitted cherries, water, honey or cane sugar, and a pinch of salt to a large pot. Place it over medium heat and bring to a simmer. As the cherries soften and froth, gently mash them with a fork or potato masher to release their juices. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes to reduce excess water and concentrate the syrup.
- Strain and store the syrup: After the syrup has slightly thickened, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, separating the cherry pulp. Store the syrup in a jar in the refrigerator. The leftover cherry pulp can be saved for other recipes like cherry almond butter toast.
- Brew the hibiscus tea: Brew 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea following standard steeping instructions — typically steep hibiscus petals or a hibiscus tea bag in hot water for about 5 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a glass with lots of ice. Pour the brewed hibiscus tea over the ice, add 3-4 tablespoons of the cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Stir or shake vigorously to combine thoroughly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately for a cold, tangy, and sweet fruit-infused hibiscus beverage perfect for refreshment on warm days.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey or cane sugar in the syrup according to your desired sweetness.
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor in the syrup.
- Hibiscus tea can be brewed in larger batches and refrigerated for convenience.
- Leftover cherry pulp is great for spreads or to add to oatmeal or yogurt.
- For a sparkling version, substitute still water with sparkling water when assembling the drink.
