Tart Cherry-Hibiscus Refresher Recipe

Level: Easy

Yield: 2 large drinks

Total Time: 30 min (includes straining and cooling times)

Active Time: 10 min

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving

Serving Size: 1 of 2 servings

Calories: 154
Total Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 34 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 63 mg

Hibiscus-Mint Simple Syrup

1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried hibiscus flowers
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves

For the Drink

2 cups seltzer
1/2 cup tart cherry juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
Mint sprigs and lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare the Hibiscus-Mint Simple Syrup: Place the sugar, hibiscus flowers, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the mixture begins to simmer gently. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the liquid turns a soft pink color, about 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mint leaves. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes, then strain into a bowl and let cool completely.

Step 2 - Assemble the Drink: Fill two 16-ounce glasses with ice. Pour 1 cup seltzer, 1/4 cup tart cherry juice, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of the cooled hibiscus-mint simple syrup into each glass. Stir gently to blend. Top each drink with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge for garnish.

Chef's Note

Dried hibiscus flowers are ideal for this recipe, but if they're not available, hibiscus tea can be substituted. If using tea, use only 1/2 teaspoon in the simple syrup.