Description
A refreshing and colorful fruit cocktail featuring a blend of mandarin oranges, peaches, cherries, pineapple, and pears tossed in a lightly sweetened lime and basil syrup. Perfect as a light dessert or a fruity side dish served chilled with an optional dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Syrup
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/2 Juice from a Lime
- Fresh Basil Leaves (to taste)
Fruit
- 4 to 6 Mandarin Oranges (peeled or 1 can, drained)
- 4 Peaches (peeled and sliced, or 1 can, drained)
- 1 cup Dark Sweet Cherries (or 1 can, drained)
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (or 1 can, drained)
- 1 cup Pears (peeled and sliced, or 1 can, drained)
Optional
- Whipped Cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, lime juice, and fresh basil leaves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and strain out the basil leaves.
- Combine the fruit: In a large mixing bowl, add the mandarin oranges, cherries, pineapple chunks, pears, and sliced peaches. Gently toss them together to mix evenly without bruising the fruit.
- Mix fruit with syrup and chill: Pour the prepared lime-basil syrup over the fruit mixture. Carefully toss to ensure all fruit pieces are coated with the syrup. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled.
Notes
- Using fresh fruit is preferred for better texture and flavor; canned fruit should be drained well.
- The basil in the syrup provides a subtle herbaceous note—feel free to adjust quantity or substitute with mint for a different twist.
- For a dairy-free option, omit whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream instead.
- This fruit cocktail can be served on its own or over ice cream or yogurt for a more indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
