Hibiscus lemonade is tart, vibrant, and just a little bit fancy—like a tropical getaway in your backyard. If you’ve never used dried hibiscus in your drinks before, you’re in for a bold and beautiful treat.
And it’s super easy to make, so let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
– 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
– Dried hibiscus flowers for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Let them steep for about 15 minutes.
Step 2
Strain the hibiscus tea into a pitcher using a fine mesh sieve, discarding the used flowers.
Step 3
Add the sugar to the hot hibiscus tea and stir until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 4
Once cooled, stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding more sugar if desired.
Step 5
Fill mason jars with ice cubes. Pour the hibiscus lemonade over the ice until the jar is almost full.
Step 6
Garnish each jar with a lime wedge and a sprinkle of dried hibiscus flowers on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ways to Improve It
1. Add a splash of sparkling water for an effervescent twist.
2. Infuse the lemonade with fresh mint leaves while steeping for an added refreshing flavor.
3. Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
4. Experiment with other citrus juices like orange or lime alongside lemon for a unique flavor combo.
5. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
Side Dishes to Serve With This Meal
This vibrant hibiscus lemonade pairs beautifully with light and fresh dishes like grilled fish tacos, a crisp garden salad, or even some homemade guacamole with tortilla chips. It’s also perfect for a brunch spread alongside scones or pastries.
Substitutions
1. Replace dried hibiscus flowers with hibiscus tea bags if you can’t find them.
2. Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
3. Substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for regular sugar to make it refined-sugar-free.
4. If fresh limes are unavailable, use bottled lime juice as a last resort.
Recipe Variations
1. Spiked Version: Add a shot of tequila or vodka to each serving for an adult-friendly version.
2. Berry Boost: Blend in some fresh strawberries or raspberries for an extra fruity touch.
3. Tropical Twist: Mix in some pineapple juice or coconut water to give it an island vibe.
4. Herbal Infusion: Steep with fresh rosemary or basil leaves for an aromatic variation.
5. Sweet & Spicy: Add ginger slices while steeping the hibiscus flowers for warmth and spice.Enjoy making this deliciously refreshing ruby-red drink!”
