Cherry Stone Cardamom Tonic

A clear tonic for soft evenings — gentle and non-alcoholic, yet rich in quiet depth. Cherry stones infuse a whisper of fruit, cardamom lends a trace of warmth, and together they offer a drink that soothes without clouding the senses. A love letter to presence, to slowing down, to finding beauty in the simplest things.

Cherry stones add a welcome bitterness akin to quinine in tonic for a revitalising sip.

Garnished with cherries, there is no better combination for a balmy summer evening.

The joy in using all parts of the fruit, nothing goes to waste.

mocktails, no alcohol, sober, summer drinks, cherry pits, cherry stones, cherry recipe, spiced drinks, tonic, tonic water, non alcoholic

Yield: 2

Author: Suze Morrison

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Cherry Stone & Cardamom Tonic

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 10 MinInactive time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 20 M

A clear tonic for soft evenings — gentle and non-alcoholic, yet rich in quiet depth. Cherry stones infuse a whisper of fruit, cardamom lends a trace of warmth, and together they offer a drink that soothes without clouding the senses. A love letter to presence, to slowing down, to finding beauty in the simplest things.

Ingredients

• Cherry stones from about 200g cherries (well rinsed and cleaned of flesh)
• 200ml water
• 3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 2 teaspoons runny honey (optional, or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• To serve:
• Sparkling water or tonic water, chilled
• Ice cubes
• Whole cherries or a twist of lemon, for garnish
• Optional: a splash of gin or vodka

Instructions

1. Add the cleaned cherry stones, crushed cardamom pods, and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes. Cover, remove from heat, and let steep for another 10–15 minutes.
2. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or muslin cloth. Stir in honey and lemon juice, if using. Chill until cold.
3. Fill two glasses with ice. Pour about 25ml of the cherry stone-cardamom infusion into each glass and top with chilled sparkling water or tonic. Garnish as desired.

https://gourmetglow.co.uk/recipes/cherry-stone-cardamom-tonic

---

---