Start by preparing the plums. Rinse each plum thoroughly under cold running water. Then, using a small, sharp knife, cut each plum in half along its natural indentation. Gently twist the halves in opposite directions to separate them. Remove the pit with your fingers or by prying it out with the tip of the knife. You do not need to peel the plums – the skin will give the syrup a beautiful, deep color.
Description
This unique lemonade is the essence of the transition from summer to autumn, captured in a glass. The deep, sweet flavor of ripe plums is perfectly balanced by the refreshing acidity of freshly squeezed lemon. An extraordinary character is added by aromatic rosemary, which brings a herbal, slightly resinous note, along with warming spices – cinnamon and star anise, enveloping the whole with warmth. The drink has a beautiful ruby color that looks stunning in a clear glass, especially with the addition of ice and fresh herbs. It can be served cold as a refreshing drink on warmer days, or warm as a comforting elixir on chilly evenings. It is an excellent non-alcoholic option for gatherings with friends, family celebrations, or simply as a moment of relaxation for yourself.
Składniki (9)
- Hungarian plums 500 g
- Water 1000 ml
- Brown sugar 100 g
- Lemon juice 100 ml
- Fresh rosemary 10 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Cinnamon stick 2.5 szt.
- Star anise 0.4 szt.
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Sparkling water 500 ml
- Ice cubes 200 g
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Plum and spice syrup
In a medium-sized pot (with a capacity of about 2 liters), place the prepared plum halves. Pour in 250 ml of water, add brown sugar, two sprigs of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick, and two star anise. Set the pot over medium heat and bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar.
When the syrup starts to boil, reduce the heat to the minimum so that the liquid just gently 'pulses'. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the plums should completely soften and start to break down, and the syrup will take on an intense, ruby color and thicken slightly. The aroma in the kitchen will be amazing!
Remove the pot from the heat. Prepare a bowl or jar and a fine-mesh strainer. Place the strainer over the container and carefully pour the entire contents of the pot through it. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the cooked fruit firmly against the strainer. The goal is to extract as much juice and flavor as possible. The pulp left in the strainer can be discarded or used as an addition to oatmeal.
Set the obtained clear syrup aside to cool completely. This process will take about 30-40 minutes at room temperature. To speed it up, you can place the container with the syrup into a larger bowl filled with cold water and ice.
Preparation of lemonade
When the syrup is cold, prepare the lemonade. Pour the entire cooled plum-spice syrup into a large pitcher (with a capacity of at least 1.5 liters). Add 100 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 750 ml of cold (non-carbonated) water. Mix everything thoroughly with a long spoon until all the liquids are combined.
Prepare the glasses. Fill them with ice cubes to 1/3 or halfway. Slowly pour the prepared lemonade into the glasses. Decorate each serving with a slice of fresh lemon and a small sprig of rosemary for added aroma. If you prefer a sparkling version, fill the glasses with lemonade to 3/4 full, and top off with chilled sparkling water. Gently stir.
Fun Fact
Rosemary in ancient times was a symbol of memory. Greek scholars wore wreaths of rosemary during exams, believing it improved concentration and recall. Combining it with plum, a fruit associated with wisdom and abundance, creates a drink with rich symbolism.
Best for
Tips
To serve lemonade in an even more elegant way, you can moisten the rims of the glasses with lemon juice and dip them in fine cane sugar, creating a sweet crust. For a warm version, heat the prepared lemonade (without sparkling water) in a pot, without bringing it to a boil, and serve it in mugs or thick glass cups, with a slice of orange added.
The ready plum-spice syrup can be stored in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The prepared lemonade (without sparkling water) is best consumed within 2-3 days, kept in the refrigerator in a closed pitcher.
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