🇹🇷 Turkey · Drinks
Kızılcık Şerbeti (Cornel Cherry Sherbet)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
Kızılcık Şerbeti is a traditional Turkish drink made from tart cornel cherries, sugar, and aromatic spices. This vibrant red sherbet is celebrated for its refreshing, slightly sour, and sweet flavor, making it a perfect thirst-quencher, especially during warm weather or festive occasions.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare the Cornel Cherries: Begin by thoroughly washing 500g of fresh cornel cherries under cold running water. Remove any stems or leaves. You don't need to pit them, as their tartness and flavor will be extracted during cooking.
- 2
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Place the washed cornel cherries into a large saucepan or pot. Add 4 cups (1 liter) of water, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 whole cloves to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- 3
Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The cherries should soften, and their vibrant red color should infuse into the water, creating a deep red liquid.
- 4
Steep and Cool: After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Keep it covered and allow the mixture to steep at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours, or even longer (up to 4 hours) for a more intense flavor. This steeping time allows the flavors to fully develop and cool down.
- 5
Strain the Sherbet: Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently, carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. Press down on the softened cherries with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice and flavor as possible. Discard the strained cherry solids and spices.
- 6
Chill Thoroughly: Transfer the strained Kızılcık Şerbeti to a bottle or pitcher, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled. The colder it is, the more refreshing it will be. You can taste and adjust sugar levels at this point if desired, adding a little more simple syrup if needed.
- 7
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the chilled Kızılcık Şerbeti into glasses, optionally garnished with a fresh mint leaf or a slice of lemon for an extra touch of freshness. This vibrant, sweet, and tart sherbet is best enjoyed as a cooling beverage on its own or alongside traditional Turkish meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cornel cherries for Kızılcık Şerbeti?+
Yes, you can use frozen cornel cherries. There's no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them directly to the pot with water and sugar, and proceed with the boiling and simmering steps as usual. The flavor will be just as good.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sherbet?+
The sweetness can be adjusted to your preference. Start with the recommended amount of sugar, then taste the sherbet after straining and chilling. If you prefer it sweeter, you can dissolve a little more sugar in a small amount of warm water to create a simple syrup, then stir it into the sherbet.
How long can Kızılcık Şerbeti be stored in the refrigerator?+
Homemade Kızılcık Şerbeti, when stored in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator, will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. Its vibrant flavor is best enjoyed within the first few days.
What if I can't find cornel cherries?+
While cornel cherries offer a unique tartness, if they are unavailable, you could experiment with other tart berries like sour cherries or cranberries. However, the flavor profile will differ slightly from the traditional Kızılcık Şerbeti.
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