Beat the Heat with a Refreshing Hibiscus Cooler
this post was published on: May 16, 2024
Jump to RecepieAs the summer temperatures start to soar, there’s nothing quite like a tall, ice-cold glass of hibiscus cooler to help you cool down and refresh. This delightfully vibrant pink drink is made from gorgeous hibiscus flowers, known as flor de Jamaica in Spanish. With its tangy, cranberry-like flavor and striking color, a hibiscus cooler will make you feel like you’re vacationing on a tropical island, even if you’re relaxing in your backyard. so stay with joymelife.
What is Hibiscus?
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants that includes hundreds of different species. The variety most commonly used to make drinks is Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called roselle or rosella. These plants produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in colors ranging from white to bright red. The fleshy red calyces surrounding the flowers give hibiscus coolers their signature brilliant hue.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus
In addition to being utterly thirst-quenching, the hibiscus cooler provides some impressive health perks. Hibiscus contains vitamin C, minerals like iron, and powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. Some studies suggest drinking hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. So go ahead and pour yourself another glass!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 2 cups fresh hibiscus calyces)
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Ice for serving
- Lime slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil over high heat in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Add the dried hibiscus flowers (or fresh calyces) to the hot water. Allow to steep for 20-25 minutes if dried or 5-10 minutes if fresh.
- Set the mesh strainer over the pitcher. Carefully pour the steeped hibiscus tea through the sieve to remove the flowers/calyces and sediment. Use the spoon to press on the solids to extract all liquid.
- Add the sugar or agave nectar to the strained tea in the pitcher. Stir until fully dissolved. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Once slightly cooled, stir in the fresh lime juice until thoroughly combined.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the hibiscus cooler over the ice.
- Feel free to add a lime slice to each glass for garnish.
- Refrigerate leftovers covered for up to 4-5 days.
So, only let summer pass you by if you experience the wondrous hibiscus cooler. This ruby-hued, vitamin-packed beverage will become your new warm-weather favorite!
Tips & Tricks
Tip #1: For Ultra-Vibrant Color, Go With Fresh Flowers
While dried hibiscus flowers work just fine, using fresh calyces straight from the plant will give you that eye-catching, electric pink hue that makes this drink so spectacular. You can often find fresh hibiscus flowers at Mexican or Caribbean grocery stores. The dried kind tends to produce a slightly more muted ruby shade.
Tip #2: Don’t Oversteep or It’ll Taste Like Dish Soap!
When properly steeped, hibiscus has a wonderfully tart, cranberry-esque flavor. But be careful not to let those pretty flowers sit too long in the hot water. If you oversleep, the drink can taste unpleasantly soapy or bitter. Follow this general rule: steep for 20-30 minutes if using dried flowers, or just 5-10 minutes for fresh.
Tip #3: A Splash of Lime or Lemon Juice Brightens Everything Up
While a straight hibiscus cooler is delightful, adding fresh citrus juice can make those tangy, fruity notes pop. Just squeezing zingy lime or lemon juice enhances the flavor and gives the beverage a lovely fresh zing. It’s like adding a spritz of sunshine!
Tip #4: For a Boozy Kick, Blend With Rum or Tequila
Want to turn your hibiscus cooler into an adults-only treat? Make it a cocktail by blending in a shot or two of white rum, tequila, or your favorite liquor. The floral notes pair beautifully with the agave flavors of tequila in particular. Just be sure to go easy on the alcohol so you don’t overpower the delicate hibiscus taste. Garnish with a lime wedge for the ultimate festive sipper!
Hibiscus Cooler
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Let it steep for 20-25 minutes.
- Strain the bright red hibiscus tea through a mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid.
- Stir in the sugar or agave until fully dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.
- Add the fresh lime juice and stir to combine.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the hibiscus cooler over top.
- Garnish with lime slices if desired.
Notes
Other add-ins can include fresh fruit like pineapple or strawberries, mint leaves, or rum/tequila to make a cocktail version.
Leftovers will be refrigerated for 4-5 days.
This bright and tangy cooler is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or just sipping on the porch. One batch makes about 6 cups, enough for six servings of this healthy and refreshing beverage. At only 95 calories per glass, it's a guilt-free way to stay hydrated on hot days.
FAQ
hibiscus cooler
Outro
There you have it, friends! The delightfully refreshing hibiscus cooler will become your new favorite summer sipper. This vibrant beverage is a real showstopper with its gorgeous pink hue, tangy-sweet flavor, and impressive nutritional perks.
So whip up a big pitcher of hibiscus cooler to enjoy all season long. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher for backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, or just lounging by the pool. You can spike it with some rum or tequila for a festive cocktail!
No matter how you drink it, this beauty of a cooler is guaranteed to keep you hydrated and happy when the temperatures soar. Enjoy that sweet-tart flavor and those lovely floral notes. Ahhh, refreshment at its finest!
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Have you loved this hibiscus cooler recipe? Please do me a favor and share the magic on Pinterest! Pin this vibrant drink and tag @joymelife so I can see your beautiful recreations. Spread the hibiscus love, my friends!
