Learn how to make Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade—A sweet, tart, and bubbly drink that’s refreshing and easy to make! Perfect for summer, packed with antioxidants, and bursting with floral citrus flavor. 🍋✨
Yields: Approximately 8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time for hibiscus tea)
Total time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling)
Ingredients:
For the Hibiscus Tea Concentrate:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference)
For the Lemonade:
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 6-8 lemons)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference, you might need more depending on the tartness of your lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
For Assembly:
- Ice cubes
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Heatproof pitcher or container
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander
- Large pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer
Let’s Get Started!
Step 1: Make the Hibiscus Tea Concentrate
- In a medium saucepan, combine the dried hibiscus flowers and 4 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes. The water should turn a deep red color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in ½ cup of sugar until it is completely dissolved.
- Let the hibiscus tea steep for an additional 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Strain the hibiscus tea through a fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher or container. Discard the spent hibiscus flowers.
- Let the hibiscus tea concentrate cool completely at room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Lemonade
- In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and ½ cup of sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir to combine. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness as needed by adding more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of tartness and sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour about ½ cup of the chilled hibiscus tea concentrate into each glass.
- Top off each glass with the prepared lemonade, filling it about ¾ of the way.
- Finally, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to each glass for a fizzy lift. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust sweetness: Taste both the hibiscus tea and the lemonade before combining and adjust the sugar levels to your preference.
- Make it ahead: The hibiscus tea concentrate and lemonade can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine them with sparkling water just before serving.
- Infused lemonade: For extra flavor, you can infuse the plain lemonade with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a few hours before assembling. Strain before using.
- Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves to the hibiscus tea while it simmers for a warm, spiced variation.
- Fruity twist: Muddle some fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries at the bottom of your glass before adding the hibiscus lemonade and sparkling water.
Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade!
