Description
A cozy and warming winter drink combining tart sour cherries and sweet ripe plums simmered with citrus, warming spices, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Perfect for chilly days, this fruity beverage is lightly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, offering a comforting and flavorful way to stay warm.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 cups sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon or lime, sliced
Spices and Sweeteners
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Liquids
- 3 cups water
Garnish
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the saucepan: Place a saucepan over medium heat to warm it up, preparing it for the ingredients.
- Add ingredients to the pan: Combine sour cherries, chopped plums, orange slices, lemon or lime slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, and water in the saucepan.
- Heat gently: Stir the mixture gently and heat for about 5 minutes until it begins to steam, allowing the flavors to start melding.
- Simmer and mash fruit: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and lightly mash the fruit with a spoon to release their juices and enhance flavor.
- Continue simmering and sweeten: Let the drink simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add honey or maple syrup to taste, adjusting the sweetness as desired.
- Finish and strain: Turn off the heat. If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the mixture to remove solids.
- Serve warm: Pour the warm winter warmer into mugs or glasses, garnish with citrus slices, cherries, and optional fresh thyme. Enjoy immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Use frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable; just allow extra simmering time if needed.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup to your desired sweetness level.
- Straining is optional and depends on your texture preference.
- Fresh thyme garnish adds a subtle herbal aroma but can be omitted.
- This drink is naturally caffeine-free and perfect for evenings.
