Homemade Hibiscus Lemonade
A refreshing and tangy drink that combines the floral notes of hibiscus with the classic taste of lemonade, perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
Hibiscus Concentrate
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers Buy food grade dried hibiscus meant for tea.
- 4 cups water For boiling.
- 1 cup sugar or honey Adjust to taste.
Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice About 4 to 6 lemons.
- 4 to 6 cups cold water To dilute the lemonade.
- Ice
- Optional: lemon slices, mint, strawberries For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation of Hibiscus Concentrate
- Add 4 cups of water to a pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the dried hibiscus, and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
- Pour through a fine strainer into a bowl or large measuring cup, pressing the flowers gently to extract more liquid without making it bitter.
- While the concentrate is still warm, stir in sugar or honey until dissolved, then let it cool.
Making the Lemonade
- Juice the fresh lemons. Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor.
- In a pitcher, combine 1 to 2 cups of hibiscus concentrate, the fresh lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Adjust the proportions based on your taste preference.
- Add ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint if desired. Serve cold.
Notes
Make the hibiscus concentrate up to 5 days ahead to save time. Sweeten to your preference and try adding sparkling water for a fizzy version.