Hibiscus Lemonade

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A refreshing sweet and tangy summer drink you can make at home with hibiscus simple syrup made with flor de Jamaica and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

A serving of Hibiscus lemonade in a glass with lemon slice and mint sprig garnish.

Do you love the sweet and tart flavor of those expensive hibiscus lemonades or teas you have been buying while you're out shopping?

Today I am going to show you how easy it is to make those bright pink frosty summer tropical drinks at home.

The first step is to make a batch of hibiscus simple syrup which only takes a few minutes to make.

Keep it chilled in the refrigerator so you can make this Hibiscus Lemonade, a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, Hibiscus Lemonade Iced Tea, or Hibiscus Iced Tea.

Ingredients

The ingredient list to make this summer drink recipe is pretty short. You'll need to make hibiscus syrup, which is the only sweetener you need for the fresh squeezed lemonade.

hibiscus simple syrup: You will need dried hibiscus flowers, granulated sugar and water to make this sweet and tart simple syrup. Dried hibiscus flowers is also known as flor de Jamaica. You can order it online or find a package in the ethnic section of most grocery stores.
lemon juice: freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best when making making homemade lemonade but a frozen can of lemon juice concentrate works just as well and is convenient any time of year.
water: for the best flavor filtered water should be used.
ice cubes: you need about 4 or 5 cups of ice cubes.
lemonade garnish: sliced fresh lemon and fresh mint sprigs.

Directions

Recipe Prep: Before making the lemonade you will need to make a well infused hibiscus simple syrup. You only need three ingredients to make hibiscus syrup.

Hibiscus simple syrup ingredients in bowls.

Step 1: Make the hibiscus flower simple syrup by combining 1 cup of edible food grade dried hibiscus flowers with 1 cup of filtered water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 2: Boil for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat source and allow to cool and steep for at least one hour.

Step 3: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth lined colander to remove the solid pieces.

Step 4: Transfer the hibiscus simple syrup to a glass bottle or glass jar and chill in the refrigerator before using.

A topper bottle half filled with flor de Jamaica syrup.

Step 5: Squeeze about 8 medium lemons and measure one cup of lemon juice.

Glass measuring cup with squeezed lemon juice.

Step 6: Fill a 2 quart pitcher half way with ice cubes. Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice in over the ice cubes. Add 2 to 3 cups of water to the lemon juice. (Keep in mind as the ice melts it will dilute the lemonade slightly)

Overhead image looking down into a glass pitcher filled with lemonade.

Step 7: Add ½ a cup of the syrup to the pitcher and stir. Taste a sample to see if you need to adjust the water or syrup sweetener.

Lemonade Tip

You can make homemade lemonade ahead of serving. To keep the ice from diluting the lemonade mix the lemonade without the ice. Then keep it chilled in the refrigerator until serving. Add the ice to the pitcher before serving.

Glass pitcher filled ¾ with ice cubes and a hibiscus lemonade mocktail.

Recipe FAQs

What is hibiscus lemonade made of?

Hibiscus lemonade is made of a combination of fresh squeezed lemon juice and a hibiscus simple syrup made from dried hibiscus flowers.

What does hibiscus taste like?

Hibiscus flowers used to make lemonade or iced tea have a very tart flavor like cranberries. Making a simple syrup flavored with the dried flowers is a great way to make a sweet and tart drink flavoring.

Recipe Expert Tips

A few helpful tips to help you make this recipe.

Homemade Lemonade: Everyone has there own preferred tartness and sweetness when it comes to lemonade. Adjust the amount of water and hibiscus syrup for your own tastes. Keep in mind as the ice melts it will dilute the lemonade slightly.
Hibiscus flower syrup: Can be used to flavor lemonade, iced tea, hard lemonade and to make popsicles.
Storing the hibiscus syrup: store the leftover syrup in the refrigerator and use with in one month.
Simple syrup sweetener: Homemade simple syrup is used as the sweetener. No other sugar is needed.
Hibiscus cocktails: Add a shot of vodka to a glass to make Hibiscus Hard Lemonade.
Hibiscus Rose Lemonade: Add a tablespoon of Torani Rose Syrup to add a delicate floral flavor.

A glass and pitcher filled with a summer hibiscus drink on a tabletop.

More summer drink recipes

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