Description
This Cherry Hibiscus Refresher is a vibrant, fruity beverage perfect for hot days. Made with a homemade cherry syrup simmered to sweet, concentrated perfection, tart lime juice, and bright hibiscus tea, this drink offers a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for parties or a casual cool-down, it refreshes and delights with every sip.
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: Begin by removing the pits from the cherries using your preferred method — a metal straw, slicing the cherries in half and removing the seed, or 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 on the stove over medium heat and let the mixture simmer until it starts to froth. Gently mash the cherries with a fork or potato masher once soft, then continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to evaporate excess water, concentrating the syrup.
- Strain and store the syrup: Once the syrup thickens slightly, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, separating the syrup from the cherry pulp. Reserve the pulp for other uses like cherry almond butter toast. Pour the syrup into a jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Brew hibiscus tea: Brew 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea following proper brewing instructions (usually steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes). Allow to cool to room temperature or chill.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a cup with ice, pour in the brewed hibiscus tea, add 3-4 tablespoons of the homemade cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Stir or shake the mixture vigorously to combine and enjoy your refreshing drink.
Notes
- The cherry pulp can be saved and used creatively in recipes like cherry almond butter toast for reducing waste.
- Adjust the amount of cherry syrup according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Hibiscus tea can be brewed using dried hibiscus flowers or pre-made hibiscus tea bags.
- Store the cherry syrup in the refrigerator for up to one week.
