Cherry Juice

Healthy Cherry Juice (compote). Compote, also known as Kompot in our language, is the drink that will forever change the way you think about fruit juice. This version uses fresh cherries, plums, and golden raisins. The combo of deep red cherries and plums produces the most beautiful red-hued drink. It tastes like heaven on a hot summer day.

What stands out

We grew up enjoying cold glasses of kompot which our family made from the many fruit trees on our property. Kompot is a staple in Eastern Europe; enjoyed chilled from the refrigerator on warm days. It is also served hot for a winter pick-us-up. When canned and stored properly, kompot can last on pantry shelves well into winter. Thus, it gives you a taste of summer on a dreary cold day.

How to Prepare

This beverage can be produced using two different methods: boiling, straining, and chilling, or marinating fresh fruit in sugar water. Whichever method you choose, this is a way to savor summer fruits. It creates a refreshing drink that everyone will love.

The sweetness and potency of the fruitiness is completely up to you: you can always add less or more sugar or fruit. Additionally, you can reduce the concentration by cutting the kompot with extra water when serving.

Don’t throw out the leftover, mushy fruit from your kompot! After straining the leftover fruit, blend it into a thick fruit puree. Then use it in pancakes, smoothies, spread on toast, and more.

Kitchen tip

If the cherries are pitted, you can process the cooked fruits with a touch of sweetener for a fruit puree. Alternatively, compost it as usual. You can also enjoy the stewed fruit on toast with mascarpone or creamy cheese and a drizzle of honey on top.

Cherry Juice Variations and Substitutions

Customizing this healthy cherry juice is not only straightforward. It is also a fun way to explore different flavors and adapt the recipe to your preferences. From swapping fruits to experimenting with different fruits or spices, there are numerous variations and substitutions. Therefore, you can make this refreshing beverage uniquely your own.

• Instead of just cherries and plums, you can substitute a combination of various fruits like pears, peaches, or berries.
• Enhance the flavor with a cinnamon stick or a splash of vanilla extract for a warm and comforting note.
• Add fresh mint leaves.
• Fresh ginger slices can give your Compote a spicy kick.

Similar Recipes

If you enjoyed this Healthy Cherry Juice, consider exploring one of our other beverage recipes:

• Watermelon Slushy
• Strawberry Mint and Lemon Refresher
• Brazilian Lemonade
• Healthy Fruit Compote

Questions

What can we do with the leftover fruit from the Compote?

After straining the fruit, you can then blend it into a thick fruit puree. This puree can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it on pancakes, smoothies, or as a spread on toast as well, making the most of every ingredient.

What is the best way to enjoy this juice?

You can enjoy Healthy Cherry Juice (Kompot) in multiple ways. It’s a popular beverage in Eastern Europe. We usually serve it chilled from the refrigerator on warm days or hot for a comforting winter drink as well. When canned and stored correctly, it can also be enjoyed well into the winter months.

How many cups of Juice does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 12 cups (250ml) each. You will get a total of 3 litres worth of liquid.

Ingredients

Makes 12 glasses

• 3.5 litres filtered water, (1 gallon)
• 8 cups fresh cherries, (pitted is optional)
• 6 red plums, pits removed
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 apple, cored and halved

Equipment

• Soup Pot

Method

1. Add 3.5 litres (1 gallon) of filtered water to a large pot.
2. Add the fruit to the pot and bring to a boil. Semi-cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let boil for 60 minutes.
3. After one hour, remove the fruit with a sieve or kitchen spider. Set the fruit aside.
4. Note: If the cherries are pitted, you can process the fruits with a touch of sweetener for a delicious fruit puree or compost it as usual. You can also enjoy the stewed fruit on toast with mascarpone or creamy cheese and a drizzle of honey on top.
5. We like to cool the liquid to room temperature, strain it into a bowl or mason jars, and chill in the fridge.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!