TART CHERRY DAIQUIRI MOCKTAIL

This Tart Cherry Daiquiri Mocktail is sweet and tart with a hint of citrus. This fun zero proof cocktail can be enjoyed by adults and kids and makes for the perfect cool down beverage.

We love Montmorency Tart Cherries, be sure to check out this fun Dried Tart Cherry Snack Mix or these Tart Cherry Scones for more ways to use dried tart cherries.

Tart Cherry Daiquiri Mocktail

A daiquiri is a cocktail drink featuring rum, citrus juice, sugar, and a sweetener.

Today we’re replacing the rum with tart cherry juice or sparkling water to create a “mocktail” (a nonalcoholic or “zero proof” drink) that everyone can enjoy! This daiquiri still has the quintessential citrus juice and a sweetener, but the real stars of this beverage are the dried Montmorency tart cherries. Not only do they make this drink a total show-stopper as far as eye-appeal goes, they also contribute an amazing sweet-sour flavor and plenty of potential health benefits.

Montmorency Tart Cherries

Tart cherries –not to be confused with sweet cherries that you find in the produce section — –are a superfruit with many science-based health benefits. And, as the weather continues to heat up, more of us are spending time outdoors and enjoying safe summertime celebrations, so this Tart Cherry Daiquiri is the perfect cool beverage to share.

If you like to support local businesses, buying Montmorency tart dried cherries means you’ll be supporting products grown on U.S. family farms all while enjoying the ruby-red health benefits. The bright color of the tart cherries indicates the beneficial, natural plant compounds inside. Scientific research has examined the impact ofMontmorency tart cherries on exercise recovery, heart health, sleep, and inflammation.

How To Make This Tart Cherry Daiquiri Mocktail

Start with adding 10 dried Montmorency Tart cherries to each beverage glass.
Add 100% tart cherry juice and allow the cherries to infuse the juice for 5 minutes. Then, muddle the cherries into the juice for a couple of minutes. The tart cherries will infuse the juice with an incredible sweet-sour flavor and richness.
If you don’t have a muddler–yes, it’s a thing!–use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to mash and squish the cherries so they partially dissolve in the tart cherry juice or sparkling water.
Add in freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Add in simple syrup (to taste). More on making simple syrup below.
Enjoy with lots of ice and extra dried tart cherries for a garnish if desired.

Simple Syrup

If you’re not familiar with simple syrup, essentially it’s equal parts sugar and water heated together until dissolved. We add it to this Tart Cherry Daiquiri to add sweetness without a grainy texture. If we added plain sugar it wouldn’t dissolve and would make an unpleasant drinking experience.

Simple syrups have a good shelf life when prepared and stored properly. The syrup needs to be made with very hot water and stored in a sterile container in the fridge. Stored under these conditions, it should last for 1 month in the fridge.

QUICK TIP

Add as much or as little simple syrup to the beverage. If you’d like it more on the sour side, add less. More on the sweet side? Add extra.

Recipe Tools

While you don’t need any of the below “tools,” they make the process easier; especially if you make a lot of drinks!

Citrus reamer
Muddler and mixing spoon (read about muddling here)
Pebble ice maker

Enjoying Tart Cherries Beyond This Beverage

Unlike other superfruits, Montmorency tart cherries are available year-round in a wide range of forms such as dried, frozen, canned, juice, or juice concentrate. There are many different ways to enjoy them beyond this mocktail!

TART CHERRY DAIQUIRI MOCKTAIL

prep time: 10 minutes
resting time: 5 minutes
total time: 15 minutes
servings: 1 beverage (scales up easily!)
calories: 42kcal

INGREDIENTS

10 dried Montmorency tart cherries
1/4 cup 100% tart cherry juice OR sparkling water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons simple syrup (See Note 1)
Lots of ice for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

SOAK TART CHERRIES: Add the 10 dried cherries to the bottom of the glass. Add the tart cherry juice on top and let stand for 5 minutes. Then press cherries thoroughly with a muddler (Don't have a muddler? Use the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon or ladle.) This is important to really get a rich tart cherry flavor.
FINISH DRINK: Once cherries have been muddled, add in lemon juice and simple syrup (add to taste; you may want less or more depending on how sweet you like your drinks). Top the glass with lots of ice. Enjoy immediately, garnished with additional dried tart cherries if desired.

RECIPE NOTES

Note 1: Simple syrup is just equal parts water and white granulated sugar. Combine equal parts of both (I do 1/2 cup of each) in a small pot over medium high heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and then cool completely. You don’t have to bring it to a simmer or boil; simply heat until the liquid is clear and all sugar is dissolved. Store leftovers in an airtight or sterile container in the fridge for up to a month.

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