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Loading...A jewel-toned ruby refresher born on Mexican street carts and dinner tables, this floral iced drink is brewed from dried hibiscus petals and gently sweetened with sugar. Tart, fruity, and deeply cooling, it is the perfect sip for a hot afternoon alongside tacos or grilled meats.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings6
Yieldabout 6 cups (6 servings of ~1 cup)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 110 kcalCalories
- 0 gFat
- 0 gSaturated Fat
- 28 gCarbs
- 1 gFiber
- 26 gSugar
- 0 gProtein
- 10 mgSodium
- 120 mgPotassium
- 25 mgCalcium
- 1 mgIron
- 18 mgVitamin C
- 60 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the hibiscus concentrate
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica), about 25 g
- 8 cups cold water, divided
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
To finish
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lime wedges and fresh mint, for garnish
Directions
- Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cool running water and drain well to remove any dust or grit.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers and the optional cinnamon stick, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer gently for 15 minutes, pressing the petals occasionally with a wooden spoon to help release their color and flavor.
- Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the mixture steep for 15 more minutes so the tart, cranberry-like notes fully develop.
- Strain the deep red liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing firmly to extract all the juice. Discard the spent petals and cinnamon stick.
- Stir in the sugar while the concentrate is still warm so it dissolves completely. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and the fresh lime juice, then taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly cold.
- Serve over plenty of ice in tall glasses, garnished with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint if you like.
Cook’s Notes
- For a deeper ruby color and slightly earthier flavor, let the flowers steep up to 45 minutes off the heat.
- Reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a more traditional, bracingly tart drink.
- Add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a few whole cloves during simmering for a warming winter variation served hot.
- Store the concentrate (without ice) in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; just dilute with extra water and ice when serving.
- Hibiscus is naturally caffeine-free and rich in anthocyanins, making this a family-friendly alternative to sugary sodas.
