Hibiscus Punch

By David Tanis

Published June 1, 2022

Hibiscus Punch
Kate Sears for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Total Time
40 minutes, plus chilling
Rating
4(201)
Comments
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This bright beverage, inspired by Caribbean sorrel drink and Mexican agua de Jamaica, is made by steeping hibiscus flowers to extract flavor — and color. It is then lightly sweetened and served chilled, like iced tea. Add cinnamon, ginger and allspice if you wish. It makes a great ruby-colored cocktail mixer as well.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings
  • 2cups dried hibiscus (see Tip)
  • 1cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1(2-inch) chunk of ginger, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 1teaspoon allspice berries (optional)
  • ½cup agave syrup or granulated sugar, or to taste
  • Ice
  • Lime wedges, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a medium stainless-steel pot.

  2. Step 2

    Add hibiscus flowers, and cinnamon, ginger and allspice berries, if using. Turn off heat and steep for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Strain mixture into a pitcher or bowl and cool to room temperature. Sweeten to taste. Serve chilled over ice, with lime wedges.

Tip
  • You can use whole hibiscus flowers or pieces, but if using pieces, steep for less time, tasting as you go, until it is your desired strength. If you wish, you can also dilute the drink with water to taste.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
201 user ratings
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Comments

Sonder

For those without easy access to dried hibiscus flowers or pieces - or even fresh ones - Tazo's "Passion" herbal tea is mostly hibiscus, with orange peel and rose hips, so it makes a decent substitute!

Louise

Instead of adding sugar or agave syrup, I serve my iced teas with frozen mango chunks - which serves both to cool the tea and adds sweetness to the mix.

Sara

Egyptians drink a similar drink called "karkadeh" (Egyptian Arabic word for hibiscus). You may be able to find dried hibiscus leaves/tea at an Arabic or halal grocery store. The basic recipe is an iced tea with sugar, but many will add mint, a little lemon juice, or orange blossom water for flavor. It is one of the most refreshing beverages to have in the hot summer.

witloof

I make this all the time during the summer and never heat the water. I let it steep overnight in a mason jar, sometimes with a cinnamon stick.

Lisa

I'm a fan of Tazo's Iced Passion - envelopes to brew 64 oz of iced tea, but I use one envelope with 32 oz, and then use the concentrate with carbonated water - unsweetened tasty hydration any time of year. From this recipe, I'll try adding ginger, cinnamon stick and allspice to the infusion!

Scott-Ryan Abt

Can also be done without sugar! Just add a bit more cinnamon than one stick and a handful of cloves.

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