Vişne Kompostosu — Turkish Sour Cherry Compote Drink

Sep 22

A ruby-red sour cherry drink with tender fruit, served chilled beside a meal or in small bowls with a spoon.

Serves 6 • Prep 10 minutes • Cook 10–15 minutes • Chill 2 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 500 g pitted sour cherries, fresh or frozen

• 1 litre water

• 150–200 g sugar, adjusted to the cherries’ tartness

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cloves

• 3 thin slices fresh ginger, optional

METHOD

1. Heat the water and sugar, stirring until dissolved.

2. Add cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove the spices.

3. Add the cherries. Return to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–8 minutes, keeping the fruit intact.

4. Cool promptly and refrigerate. Serve chilled, with some cherries in each portion.

SERVING

This lighter-sugar adaptation can be sweetened further. Keep refrigerated and use within 3 days.

CULTURAL NOTE

Komposto uses fresh or frozen fruit; hoşaf usually uses dried fruit. Vişne means sour cherry, not sweet cherry.

SOURCES

Adapted from Arda Türkmen’s Vişne Kompostosu.

Kaynar — Adana Spiced Celebration Drink