Well-Seasoned Cookbook

flavorful recipes perfected over time

Tropical Hibiscus Juice

Hibiscus has a very distinct, delightful flavor, though it can be a little bitter if not sweetened (very similar to cranberries). Adding pineapple and/or lemongrass to the drink really adds to the flavor makes this a really nice, energizing refreshment.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers

1 tsp. lemongrass (optional)

4 cups water

2 cups pineapple juice

3 Tbsp. sugar or honey

Directions:

Place dried hibiscus flowers and lemongrass in a large saucepan. Pour water over the herbs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes (longer if you like a stronger flavor).

Remove from heat and strain out the herbs keeping only the liquid from the pot. Add pineapple juice and sugar and mix well. Depending on how strong the juice is, you may want to add more water to taste.

If you would like this beverage hot, you can reheat the juice on the stove again before serving. If you prefer the drink cold, chill in the refrigerator or add ice and serve.

If you don’t have dried hibiscus flowers you can easily just make a strong hibiscus tea from tea bags bought in the store. Add pineapple juice, sugar, and a little lemon juice to taste.

Variations: You can add other fruit juices to the blend if you like. Hibiscus juice tastes really good with apple juice or even mixed with blended strawberries.

Since hibiscus juice is very similar to cranberry I would not mix the two together, but pretty much anything you would normally mix with your cranberry juice can also go really well in hibiscus juice.