AARP Hearing Center
![NY Cherry-Ginger Spritz in glass n y cherry ginger spritz in glass; cherries on right; bottle on left](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/benefits-discounts/members-only-access/info-2024/ny-cherry-ginger-spritz-recipe-todd-richards/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/container_image/articlecontentfragment/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/members-only/member-benefits/2024/02/1140-richards-roots-heart-soul-NYcherryspritz.jpg)
This classic New York–inspired spritzer hearkens back to red drink, also known as “red drank,” and has a rich history among West Africans and people of African heritage in the Americas.
![member card Image Alt Attribute](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/features/membership/inline-membership-promo/default/master5/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container_copy/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/uxdia/membership-card-d-and-t.png)
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Labor Day Sale!
Join AARP for just $9 per year with a 5-year membership and get a FREE Gift!
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 16 ounces unsweetened cherry juice
- 1 small knob ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 cup turbinado sugar
- 1 lemon, zested in wide strips
- 32 ounces seltzer water
- 32 cherries, pitted
- 1 lime or lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Directions
Bring the cherry juice, ginger, and sugar to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from the heat.
Add the lemon zest, then let the cherry-ginger juice steep for 20 minutes. Remove the lemon zest, then strain the cherry-ginger juice through a fine mesh sieve into a small pitcher or large measuring cup.Pour 2 ounces (about 1/4 cup) of the cherry-ginger syrup into each of 8 highball glass. Fill the glasses with ice, then top off with 4 ounces of seltzer water. Skewer 4 cherries and garnish each drink. Serve with a lime or lemon wedge. Cheers!
Cook With Chef Todd
![Book cover of "Roots, Heart, Soul: The Story, Celebration, and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America" by Todd Richards book cover that says todd richards with amy paige condon, roots heart soul the story, celebration, and recipes of afro cuisine in america](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/benefits-discounts/members-only-access/info-2024/ny-cherry-ginger-spritz-recipe-todd-richards/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/body_one_cf_one/par10/body_one_callout_one/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/members-only/member-benefits/2024/02/350-richards-roots-heart-soul-cover.jpg)
Two more recipes from Roots, Heart, Soul for AARP members to try:
This Jamaican-Louisianan-style crawfish boil, paired with collard green spring rolls and NY Cherry-Ginger Spritz, offers a hat tip to Caribbean, Chinese and Black cultures.
These crispy, spicy Chinatown-style spring rolls are made with traditional Southern greens.
Read about Todd Richards’ book, Roots, Heart, Soul.
You Might Also Like
AARP Members Only Access
Enjoy special content just for AARP members, including full-length films and books, AARP Smart Guides, celebrity Q&As, quizzes, tutorials and classesCelebrate Seafood with Five Delicious Dishes
Get recipes for crab cakes, smoked trout salad and miso cod ‘nobu’
Reba’s ‘Not That Fancy’ Dishes Up Memories and Meals
In new book, the country star shares lessons on living, loving and eating, and recipes
Kick Off the New Year With Delicious, Healthy Dishes
Whip up seared carrot ginger salmon, cauliflower bolognese and broccolini with roasted pepper sauce
Recommended for You