How to Make Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade – Sweet, Tart & Bubbly! 🌺🍋
Enjoy a refreshing homemade Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade with the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and floral flavors. This vibrant, antioxidant-rich drink is easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings or a healthy, hydrating treat!
Yields: Approximately 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Steeping time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Ingredients:
For the Hibiscus Syrup:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Lemonade:
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your taste based on lemon tartness)
- 4 cups cold water
For the Sparkling Finish (per serving):
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander
- Large pitcher
- Juicer (for lemons)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Let’s Get Started!
Step 1: Make the Hibiscus Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the dried hibiscus flowers and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Simmer and Add Sugar
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This will extract the color and flavor from the hibiscus.
Step 3: Sweeten the Syrup
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it is completely dissolved.
Step 4: Steep and Strain
- Let the hibiscus mixture steep for another 15 minutes off the heat. Then, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jar. Discard the spent hibiscus flowers. Let the syrup cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Juice
- Squeeze the lemons to get 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and pulp (optional, depending on your preference).
Step 6: Make the Lemonade Base
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled hibiscus syrup, fresh lemon juice, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
Step 7: Add Water
- Pour in the 4 cups of cold water and stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 8: Chill (Optional)
- For the best flavor, chill the hibiscus lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Add the Sparkle and Serve
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour about ¾ of the way full with the hibiscus lemonade.
Step 10: Top with Sparkle
- Top off each glass with sparkling water or club soda to your desired level of fizz. Stir gently.
Step 11: Garnish and Enjoy!
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade!
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in both the hibiscus syrup and the lemonade base to your personal preference.
- Make it Stronger: For a more intense hibiscus flavor, use slightly more dried flowers or steep the syrup for a longer time.
- Infuse the Syrup: Experiment with adding other flavorings to the hibiscus syrup while it simmers, such as a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a slice of ginger.
- Use Honey or Agave: You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Make it a Cocktail: For an adult version, add a shot of vodka, gin, or light rum to each serving before topping with sparkling water.
- Store Leftovers: The hibiscus syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The lemonade base (before adding sparkling water) can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add the sparkle just before serving.
Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade!
