Tart Cherry Juice Mocktail with Thyme and Aleppo Pepper
This elegant mocktail features a homemade thyme-honey syrup infused with a subtle kick of Aleppo pepper, then combined with tart cherry juice and sparkling water. The gentle heat from the Aleppo pepper beautifully balances the sweetness, while fresh thyme and a lemon twist add aromatic sophistication.
Servings: 4 to 6 mocktails
Ingredients
For the Thyme-Honey-Aleppo Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 to 5 fresh thyme sprigs (about 4 inches long each)
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- Pinch fine sea salt
For the Mocktails
- Ice cubes
- 2 cups tart cherry juice, preferably unsweetened, chilled
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- Lemon twists for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Make the thyme-honey-aleppo syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, fresh thyme sprigs, Aleppo pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set over medium heat and stir until the honey dissolves completely. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. The thyme and Aleppo pepper will continue to infuse as it cools. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or bowl, pressing on the thyme with the back of a spoon to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids. You should have about 3/4 cup of syrup.
- Mix the mocktails. Fill coupe glasses (or rocks glasses) with ice cubes if desired, or serve straight up. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the thyme-honey-aleppo syrup to each glass (adjust to taste—start with less and add more if desired). Pour about 1/3 cup of tart cherry juice into each glass, then top with about 1/3 cup of sparkling water per glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and serve. Express a lemon twist over each glass to release the oils, then drop it in or perch it on the rim. Add a fresh thyme sprig for garnish. Serve immediately while still fizzy.
Notes
- Shop this recipe: Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including the honey and Aleppo pepper used in this recipe.
- Glassware recommendation: Coupe glasses give this mocktail an elegant, sophisticated presentation. Rocks glasses or highball glasses work well too if you prefer more ice and a longer drink. For the look of a traditional Aperol spritz, use a white wine glass.
- Aleppo pepper adjustment: Aleppo pepper is mild with a fruity, slightly smoky flavor. If you can't find it, you can substitute with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (use less, as they're spicier) or omit entirely for a non-spicy version.
- Make-ahead tip: The thyme-honey-aleppo syrup can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Calories: 194.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 0.7g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 40.5mg | Potassium: 236.9mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 46.6g | Vitamin A: 121.6IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 23.1mg | Iron: 1.1mg
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