In Russia, sour cherry drinks hold a special place in the hearts of locals, especially during the summer months. Known for their unique balance of sweetness and tartness, these drinks offer a refreshing and invigorating experience that perfectly complements Russian cuisine and culture. The natural tartness of the sour cherries, combined with the sweetness added from sugar or honey, creates a drink that is both soothing and revitalizing.
In this article, we’ll explore the rich tradition of Russian sour cherry drinks, from the famous mors (a fruit-based beverage) to modern variations. Whether it’s served chilled on a hot summer day or as a comforting treat during colder months, this drink brings a burst of flavor and is an essential part of Russian hospitality.
1. What is Russian Sour Cherry Drink?
In Russia, sour cherry drinks are made primarily from sour cherries (also known as tart cherries or Montmorency cherries). These cherries have a sharp, tangy flavor that is ideal for making refreshing, naturally sweetened drinks. The traditional preparation methods of these drinks often include a combination of sugar (or honey), water, and cherry juice, with some variations adding spices or other fruits to enhance the flavor profile.
Key Ingredients:
- Sour cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Sugar or honey
- Water
- Optional spices (such as cinnamon or cloves)
- Lemon slices or citric acid (for added tanginess)
Why It’s Special:
- The tartness of the sour cherries provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the sugar, creating a perfectly balanced drink. The bright red color of the beverage is visually striking and adds to its refreshing appeal.
- Health benefits: Sour cherries are known for their high vitamin C content, as well as their anti-inflammatory properties, making them not just a delicious but also a nutritious beverage option.
2. Sour Cherry Mors (Sok)
One of the most popular ways to enjoy sour cherries in Russia is through mors, a traditional fruit drink made from berries and fruit juices. Mors can be made from a variety of fruits, but sour cherry mors is especially loved for its refreshing, slightly tart flavor.
How to Make Russian Sour Cherry Mors:
Making sour cherry mors at home is relatively simple. The process usually involves extracting juice from the cherries, adding sugar or honey for sweetness, and diluting the mixture with water. This drink can be served both hot or cold, depending on the season.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen sour cherries
- 4 cups of water
- ½ to 1 cup of sugar (adjust according to sweetness preference)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or a small amount of citric acid (optional, to enhance the tangy flavor)
- Fresh mint or cinnamon stick (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, remove the pits and place the cherries in a pot. If using frozen cherries, simply place them in the pot, as they will release juice once heated.
- Boil the Cherries: Add water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the cherries to soften and release their juices.
- Strain the Liquid: After simmering, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the solid parts of the cherries. The result is a beautifully bright cherry juice base.
- Sweeten the Juice: Pour the strained juice back into the pot, add the sugar, and stir until it dissolves. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Chill and Serve: Let the mors cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it for several hours. Serve it chilled over ice, garnished with mint or cinnamon if desired.
Why You Should Try It:
- Sour cherry mors is an incredibly refreshing and healthy drink, perfect for hot summer days. It’s low in calories and packed with nutrients, making it a much healthier alternative to commercial sodas.
- The tart cherries not only provide a delicious flavor but are also rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have been linked to improving heart health and reducing inflammation.
3. Sour Cherry Kissel – A Creamy Dessert Drink
Kissel is a traditional Russian dessert drink that is typically made from fruit and starch (often potato or cornstarch), resulting in a thicker, pudding-like consistency. While kissel can be made from a variety of fruits, sour cherry kissel is one of the most popular and beloved versions of this treat.
How to Make Sour Cherry Kissel:
The process for making sour cherry kissel is somewhat different from that of mors, as it uses starch to thicken the liquid into a creamy consistency. This dessert-like drink can be served warm or cold, depending on personal preference.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch
- ¼ cup of sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- Lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries: As with mors, start by pitting the cherries (if fresh) or simply placing them in the pot if using frozen cherries.
- Boil the Fruit: Add water and sugar to the cherries and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the cherries release their juice and soften.
- Strain and Thicken: Strain the liquid through a sieve, discarding the fruit solids. Return the liquid to the pot.
- Add the Starch: In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch or potato starch in a small amount of cold water. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering cherry liquid, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the Kissel: Let the mixture simmer for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Once the kissel has thickened, allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. Serve chilled, either as a drink or as a dessert.
Why You Should Try It:
- Sour cherry kissel offers a creamy, velvety texture that makes it an indulgent treat without being overly heavy. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a comforting dessert, and its rich antioxidant content from the cherries provides a nutritious benefit as well.
- It’s a drink that brings together both the flavors and the textures of Russian culinary traditions, making it perfect for any occasion.
4. Sour Cherry Syrup – For a Sweet and Tangy Twist
For a more concentrated option, you can make sour cherry syrup, which can be used as a base for making drinks or as a topping for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt. The syrup is made by reducing cherry juice with sugar to create a thick, sweet, and tangy concentrate.
How to Make Sour Cherry Syrup:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sour cherries
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries: Pit and crush the cherries in a pot.
- Boil the Fruit: Add water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to release the juice.
- Strain: Strain the juice into a clean pot, discarding the solids.
- Make the Syrup: Add sugar to the strained juice and simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool. Store it in a jar or bottle in the refrigerator.
Why You Should Try It:
- Sour cherry syrup can be mixed with water or sparkling water to create a refreshing drink. It’s also perfect for drizzling over desserts or adding to cocktails for a fruity twist.
Conclusion
Russian sour cherry drinks, from mors to kissel and syrup, offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that are deeply rooted in the country’s rich culinary traditions. These drinks are not only refreshing but also offer numerous health benefits, thanks to the nutrients and antioxidants found in sour cherries. Whether you’re looking for a revitalizing drink for hot summer days or a comforting beverage during the colder months, sour cherry drinks are the perfect choice to experience a taste of Russia. So go ahead, grab some fresh cherries, and enjoy the sweet and tangy experience that Russian sour cherry drinks have to offer!