Hibiscus Simple Syrup
Homemade Hibiscus Simple Syrup is a versatile syrup that adds a burst of gorgeous color and delightful, sweet-tart flavor to whatever you add it to. This syrup is the perfect secret weapon for cocktails, desserts, and more!
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Hibiscus Simple Syrup
I fell in love with the flavor of hibiscus when I started making hot tea with Celestial Seasonings Zinger tea bags. It’s a main ingredient in the tea and it imparts a wonderful, tart flavor that I adore.
The cocktail connoisseur that I am thought the zingy, tangy hibiscus flavor would complement the sweetness of simple syrup in my cocktails, and it does!
My husband and I use this homemade simple syrup in cocktails that not only require simple syrup, but would benefit from the tart hibiscus flavor too.
My favorite? A whiskey sour.
A traditional whiskey sour is made with bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Some people add an egg white, but I do not.
This hibiscus syrup is a wonderful addition to the sour lemon juice and strong, full-bodied flavor of the bourbon. It makes a super well-balanced cocktail!
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Ingredients needed to make this recipe (scroll down to recipe card for complete recipe):
- Water
- Sugar
- Dried hibiscus flowers
Equipment needed to make this recipe:
- Saucepan
- Mesh strainer
- Funnel
- Air-tight container/bottle
How to make this recipe:
- Add sugar, water, and hibiscus flowers to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring often.
3. Simmer for about 10 minutes or so. Let it sit for a couple minutes.
4. Place strainer over a liquid measuring up and pour the contents of the sauce pan over the strainer.
5. Take a spoon and mash the hibiscus petals in the strainer, making sure to get everything out of them, then remove the strainer and pour the syrup into your air-tight container. I think swing top bottles are perfect for this! (recipe card with full instructions below)
What is hibiscus?
Hibiscus plants are flowering plants that produce big, colorful flowers that come in a variety of colors.
The flowers have long been used to make hibiscus tea, but according to WebMD their flowers, seeds, and leaves are all edible.
Fun fact: The yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii!
How to customize your simple syrup?
Making your own Hibiscus Simple Syrup ensures that you control the sweetness and intensity of the flavor.
I have tested this recipe multiple different ways – simmering with the flowers, simmering without the flowers, less flowers, more flowers, etc., and the recipe I’ve created is the most flavorful version!
The syrup is sweet, tart, and slightly floral.
A traditional simple syrup is made with a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio.
- You can make it more or less sweet by adjusting the amount of sugar you use.
- The intensity of the hibiscus flavor can be adjusted by increasing/decreasing the amount of hibiscus used and/or by adjusting the time they steep before straining.
- The longer you steep the hibiscus flowers in the simple syrup, the darker the color and stronger the hibiscus flavor will be.
Uses for Hibiscus Simple Syrup
There are many uses for this flavorful simple syrup. Some of our favorites are:
- Cocktails: whiskey sours, mojitos, margaritas, Hawaiian Smash Martini
- Sweetener for: lemonade or iced tea
- Drizzle on cakes after baking to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist
- Mix it with powdered sugar to create a glaze for baked goods
- Add a small amount to Champagne in a flute for a pop of vibrant color, garnish with a raspberry
How long is simple syrup good for? How to store it?
Homemade simple syrup should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
It should be good for 2 weeks. When it becomes cloudy or doesn’t smell right, toss it.
Try using this syrup in place of regular simple syrup in my Jalapeno Paloma Cocktail (shown below)!
NOTES:
- The swing top bottle shown in the image is an 8 ounce bottle, so I double this recipe to fill the bottle.
Homemade hibiscus syrup is a wonderful ingredient that easily infuses a beautiful burst of color, and tart, floral notes into whatever you add it to. I can’t wait to hear how you use it!
Hibiscus Simple Syrup
Equipment
- saucepan
- air-tight container or bottle
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup dried hibiscus flowers
Instructions
- Add sugar, water, and hibiscus flowers to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often. Turn off the heat and let it sit for a couple minutes.
- Place the mesh strainer over a liquid measuring up and pour the contents of the sauce pan over the strainer. Use a spoon and mash the flowers, getting everything out of them. Put your funnel in the air-tight container/bottle that you want to store the syrup in.
- Remove the mesh strainer from the liquid measuring cup and pour the syrup into your container/bottle. I think swing top bottles are perfect for this! Enjoy
Notes
Did you make this recipe? Rate it and let me know in the comments below! ♥
I also have a fun Facebook group for us foodies to share recipes and talk about food. I’d love to have you! Request to join HERE. Cheers!
