Sumac-ade

[IkemanTx]

I have loved foraging berries and fruits for years, and never really gave much thought to the countless sumac shrubs I walked past year in and year out. I’ve heard mention of sumac lemonade a few times over the past few years, but just assumed it had to have been from a different variety than we have around north central Texas... otherwise the ranchers wouldn’t detest and eradicate something that provided such a refreshing summer drink.

Nope... I’ve been ignoring it without merit.
I picked a whole bunch of berry heads, stripped the stems out of them to reduce the tannins, then soaked them in cold water for 4 hours.

I strained off the berries and accompanying leftover petals with a muslin cloth sack, and sweetened to taste. I used 1 cup of sugar to 3 liters of ade. It might be a bit over sweetened to my taste, but my son likes it sweet.

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[mikmaze]

good stuff right there, had it the first time when I was about 9 years old, been a while since I had it again, but I bet it would be good with some bourbon to temper the sweetness!

 

[g squared 23]

Would it be any good if you didn’t add any sugar? I’m doing the keto thing, and table sugar is currently the devil.


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[IkemanTx]

Would it be any good if you didn’t add any sugar? I’m doing the keto thing, and table sugar is currently the devil.


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You could probably use a keto friendly sugar substitute.
It is VERY tart without a sweetener thanks to all the ascorbic acid. I love tartness, and could probably handle it, but I do think that some sweetness is needed to balance it out.


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[Bowsnbucks]

I made this before years ago & it was just like lemonade. Sugar to taste.