Description
A refreshing Cherry Hibiscus Refresher that combines homemade cherry syrup with vibrant hibiscus tea and a hint of lime for a perfectly balanced, fruity iced beverage ideal for warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
For 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
For 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: Use a metal straw, slice cherries in half to remove the seed, or use a cherry pitter to prepare 2 cups of cherries for syrup making.
- Prepare the cherry syrup: In a large pot, combine the pitted cherries, 1 cup water, honey or cane sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to froth, then gently mash the cherries using a fork or potato masher to release juices. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes to reduce and concentrate the syrup.
- Strain and store: Strain the thickened cherry syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, reserving the pulp for other recipes such as cherry almond butter toast. Transfer the syrup to a jar and refrigerate.
- Brew hibiscus tea: Prepare 1/2 cup of hibiscus tea brewed separately according to package instructions or preferred method.
- Assemble the refresher: Fill a cup with ice, pour hibiscus tea over the ice, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cherry syrup, and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Stir or shake vigorously to combine the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately as a refreshingly fruity, chilled beverage perfect for hot weather.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or cane sugar in the cherry syrup.
- Reserve the cherry pulp for delicious uses like cherry almond butter toast.
- For a stronger hibiscus flavor, brew a more concentrated tea or steep longer.
- Ensure the cherry syrup is cooled before mixing with tea to keep the refresher refreshing and crisp.
- This recipe yields about 8 servings depending on glass size and syrup quantity used.
