Name: Hawthorn Berry Juice Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 24 h 30 min
Cuisine: Homemade
Ingredients: 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) fresh hawthorn berries; ½ teaspoon salt; 200 grams (7 ounces) rock sugar

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a tangy, refreshing, and nutritious drink with a pop of color to brighten up your day? Hawthorn Berry Juice is a vibrant, homemade beverage that combines the tartness of fresh hawthorn berries with just the right touch of rock sugar for balance. Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic taste of classic Chinese childhood drinks or something a little different to share with friends, this simple juice is packed with flavor, tradition, and natural goodness. Let’s dive into what makes Hawthorn Berry Juice a must-try for any home kitchen!

Hawthorn Berry Juice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Hawthorn Berry Juice couldn’t be easier, but each one has a special role: from the fresh, ruby red berries that give this juice its signature tart-sweet kick, to the gentle sweetness of rock sugar and just a pinch of salt to let the fruity flavors shine. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Fresh hawthorn berries (1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs): The star ingredient, delivering that unmistakable tang and beautiful rosy hue to your juice.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Not just for flavor—the salt helps clean the hawthorn berries more thoroughly during the soaking step.
Rock sugar (200 g / 7 oz): Adds a smooth, mellow sweetness that complements the berry’s natural tartness without overpowering it.
Water (1.4 liters / 1.5 quarts): Used both to clean the berries and create the juice base; filtered water is best for the cleanest taste.

How to Make Hawthorn Berry Juice

Step 1: Wash and Soak the Berries

Start by adding your hawthorn berries to a large pot and giving them several good rinses under cool tap water. This step ensures you wash away any dust or residue. Next, cover the berries with water and sprinkle the salt over top, stirring everything together. Let the berries sit in this salted bath for about 5 to 10 minutes—this helps get them extra clean and primes them for juicing.

Step 2: Rinse and Drain Thoroughly

Drain the soaking water, rinse the berries once more to remove any lingering salt, and then transfer them to a colander. Let the berries dry for a bit—you can even dab them gently with a kitchen towel if you’re eager to keep things moving.

Step 3: Prep the Berries

This is where you get hands-on! Slice each berry in half against the seed, then use your fingers to gently pull the halves apart and remove the seed. Trim off any tough ends on the base of the fruit. It’s a little meditative and well worth the time for a smooth-textured Hawthorn Berry Juice.

Step 4: Prepare the Sugar

If you’re using rock sugar that comes in big chunks, crush it into smaller pieces so it dissolves easily. A simple trick is to put the sugar in a paper or sturdy plastic bag and tap it with a small hammer or kitchen mallet—you’ll be ready in no time.

Step 5: Layer and Sweeten

Add your prepped hawthorn berries to a large pot, then scatter the rock sugar evenly over the top. This layering ensures the sweetness infuses every berry.

Step 6: Add Water and Steep

Boil 1.4 liters of water and let it cool slightly for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour this hot water over the berries and sugar, giving everything a gentle stir with a ladle. Cover the pot and let it stand in a cool place or your fridge for a full 24 hours—this long infusion is what creates the vivid color and bold flavor of Hawthorn Berry Juice.

Step 7: Jar It Up

The next day, give everything another good mix. Ladle both the juice and the softened berries into clean, airtight jars. If you love a little rustic charm, use glass jars and marvel at the sunset-hued drink you’ve created! Now it’s ready to be enjoyed or stored for later.

How to Serve Hawthorn Berry Juice

Garnishes

Take your Hawthorn Berry Juice to the next level with a few simple garnishes. Float a fresh mint sprig or a thin slice of lemon on top of each glass for a pop of color and a zesty aroma. Even a handful of the reserved berries can be added for a playful, edible touch that doubles as a snack!

Side Dishes

The tangy-sweet profile of Hawthorn Berry Juice pairs especially well with light, savory appetizers—think steamed dumplings, rice crackers, or chilled sesame noodles. Its bright acidity can cut through rich flavors and offer a palate-cleansing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or festive brunch, serve Hawthorn Berry Juice in clear glass pitchers or mason jars so everyone can appreciate its stunning color. For a sparkling twist, try topping off each glass with a splash of club soda or tonic. Want to impress? Pour it over ice cubes made from the juice itself and garnish with edible flowers for a show-stopping presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Hawthorn Berry Juice is that it keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store the juice (along with the berries) in clean, airtight jars for up to 2 months. Always use clean utensils to scoop out what you need and keep the jars sealed between servings.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a big batch and save some for later, this juice freezes well. Pour the cooled juice (strain out the berries first for best texture) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and give it a good stir to refresh the flavor.

Reheating

While Hawthorn Berry Juice is typically served chilled, you can gently warm it on the stove over low heat if you’d like a soothing, tea-like beverage in winter. Just be careful not to boil it, as high heat may dull both the color and flavor. Stir occasionally and serve warm with a lemon twist.

FAQs

Can I use dried hawthorn berries for this Hawthorn Berry Juice?

Yes, you can substitute dried hawthorn berries if fresh ones aren’t available! Just soak them in water ahead of time to rehydrate, and expect a slightly different, more concentrated flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste, since dried berries can be more tart.

Is Hawthorn Berry Juice suitable for kids?

This juice is a popular children’s drink in many cultures. However, its tart flavor may be strong for some tastes, so feel free to dilute with extra water or mix with apple juice for a milder version. Always check for potential berry allergies if serving to little ones.

What does Hawthorn Berry Juice taste like?

It’s refreshingly tart with a hint of natural sweetness—think somewhere between cranberry and pomegranate juice, but with a mellow floral note that’s unique to hawthorn. It’s incredibly thirst-quenching and satisfying served cold!

How can I sterilize jars if I want to store the juice longer?

If you plan on storing Hawthorn Berry Juice for more than a couple of months, sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before filling. Let them air dry completely, then fill with juice and seal tightly. Proper sterilization prolongs shelf life and keeps things safe!

Can I adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! The rock sugar is flexible—feel free to add more or less to your preferred sweetness level. Some even enjoy a totally unsweetened version if the berries are especially ripe or if you prefer a sharp, tangy kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Hawthorn Berry Juice from scratch—it’s a labor of love that rewards you with a drink bursting with color, flavor, and history. Give it a try and share a glass with friends or family; you just might discover a new favorite tradition!

Hawthorn Berry Juice Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 liters of juice 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the refreshing taste of homemade Hawthorn Berry Juice, a sweet and tangy beverage perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this healthy drink in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Hawthorn Berry Juice:

1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) fresh hawthorn berries
½ teaspoon salt
200 grams (7 ounces) rock sugar

Instructions

Rinse Hawthorn Berries: Add hawthorn berries into a large pot and rinse several times with tap water.
Clean and Prepare Berries: Add water, sprinkle salt, and let sit to clean the fruit. Rinse again and drain.
Cut and Seed Berries: Cut the fruit in half, remove seeds, and trim the tough ends.
Prepare Rock Sugar: If using large rock sugar, crush it into smaller pieces for better dissolving.
Mix Ingredients: Combine berries and rock sugar in a pot.
Add Hot Water: Pour boiled water over berries, stir, cover, and let sit for 24 hours.
Store Juice: Transfer juice and berries to clean jars for storage.