Ruby Hibiscus Lemonade Delight
Elevate your beverage game with this Ruby Hibiscus Lemonade Delight, a refreshing infusion that harmoniously blends the floral notes of hibiscus with the zesty brightness of freshly squeezed lemons. The vibrant ruby hue is not just stunning to look at; it's an invitation to indulge in a deliciously sweet-tart experience. Perfect for warm afternoons or as a party cooler, this sweet yet tangy lemonade is sure to become a favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, including dried hibiscus flowers that are easily sourced online, you can create this aromatic concoction that boasts a hint of exotic flair.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried hibiscus flowers
3 tablespoons (Measure out the dried flowers)
Sugar
1 cup (Prepare for mixing)
Water
1 cup (For hibiscus syrup)
Lemon zest
Zest of one lemon (Zest to extract oils)
Hibiscus syrup
1 cup (Prepared from the first steps)
Freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1 cup (Strained of pulp (from about 8 small lemons or 4 large lemons))
Cold water
2 cups (Chilled for serving)
Ice
1-2 cups (For serving)
Dried whole hibiscus flowers
For garnish (Set aside for decoration)
Instructions
1
To make the hibiscus syrup, combine the dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and 1 cup of water in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2
Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon zest. Let the hibiscus flowers steep for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse beautifully.
3
After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl or container to remove the hibiscus solids. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
4
In a large pitcher, blend the cooled hibiscus syrup with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the 2 cups of cold water, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
5
When you're ready to serve the lemonade, add 1-2 cups of ice to the pitcher. To make each serving special, pour the lemonade into glasses and garnish with dried whole hibiscus flowers for an eye-catching presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ruby Hibiscus Lemonade Delight?
It is a refreshing beverage that blends floral hibiscus notes with the zesty brightness of freshly squeezed lemons.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, water, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How do I make the hibiscus syrup?
Combine dried hibiscus, sugar, and water in a pot, bring to a boil, remove from heat, add zest, and steep for 1 hour.
How long should the hibiscus flowers steep?
The flowers should steep for about 1 hour to ensure the flavors infuse beautifully.
Can I use fresh hibiscus instead of dried?
The recipe specifically calls for dried hibiscus flowers as they provide a more concentrated flavor and color.
Where can I find dried hibiscus flowers?
Dried hibiscus flowers are commonly available through online retailers or specialty tea shops.
How much sugar is required for the syrup?
You will need 1 cup of sugar to create the hibiscus syrup.
Do I need to strain the hibiscus syrup?
Yes, strain the syrup through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the hibiscus solids before use.
Can I substitute the sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey or agave, though it may slightly change the flavor profile of the lemonade.
How many lemons are needed for one cup of juice?
Generally, it takes about 8 small lemons or 4 large lemons to produce 1 cup of juice.
Should the syrup be cooled before mixing the lemonade?
Yes, allow the hibiscus syrup to cool completely in the refrigerator before blending with the other ingredients.
What is the purpose of adding lemon zest?
The lemon zest helps extract aromatic oils that enhance the brightness and citrus flavor of the drink.
How much cold water is added to the pitcher?
You should add 2 cups of cold water to the pitcher along with the syrup and lemon juice.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, the hibiscus syrup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftover hibiscus syrup?
Store any leftover syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a non-alcoholic, family-friendly beverage that kids will enjoy.
Can I use this lemonade as a cocktail mixer?
Absolutely, the sweet-tart flavor profile makes it an excellent base for various cocktails.
What does the drink taste like?
It has a balanced sweet-tart taste with exotic floral notes and a bright citrus finish.
How is the lemonade garnished?
It is garnished with dried whole hibiscus flowers for an eye-catching and elegant presentation.
Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
How much ice should be added?
Add 1-2 cups of ice to the pitcher just before serving to keep the drink chilled.
What equipment is needed for the syrup?
You will need a small pot and a fine sieve or cheesecloth for straining.
How do I remove the hibiscus solids?
After steeping, pour the mixture through a sieve into a container to separate the liquid from the solids.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled if you are serving a larger crowd.
Is this drink served hot?
No, this is intended to be a cold, refreshing beverage served over ice.
What gives the drink its ruby color?
The deep ruby hue comes naturally from the pigments in the dried hibiscus flowers.
Can I use sparkling water instead?
Yes, you can substitute the plain cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy version of the drink.
Is this a good beverage for summer parties?
Yes, its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a perfect party cooler for warm weather.
What if the lemonade is too tart for my taste?
If it is too tart, you can adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar syrup or more water.