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.
Pro Tips
- Extra Floral: Add rose water (½ tsp) or lavender syrup.
- Frozen Fun: Freeze hibiscus tea into ice cubes for a color burst.
- Mocktail Version: Skip prosecco—kids love it too!
Pairing Ideas
- With Food: Grilled shrimp skewers or a citrus salad.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe and serve in a glass dispenser.
Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade!
