We feel like we are living in the tropics with the strong Texas heat and steamy humidity. As they say, “When you can’t beat them, join them.” The equatorial weather has inspired us to try using a tropical hibiscus in a few cocktails. The results surpassed our expectations, and they will for you too when you try out our Hibiscus Spritz.
We have been curious about making cocktails with this safe-to-drink tropical flower for a few years. However, we had never quite figured out how to get enough hibiscus blooms to get the job done. Rhonda always has a hibiscus plant or two on the patio, but plucking and gathering blooms all summer long didn’t seem like an efficient way to make the hibiscus syrup. After some research we realized you could purchase hibiscus blooms on the internet (The Spice House). We lucked out and found some at our local Sprout’s. Finding the blooms, which can also be called flor de Jamaica, is the most difficult part of this cocktail.
After you get the dried hibiscus blooms, you will need to make some hibiscus syrup. We used 4 cups of water, 1 cup of dried hibiscus blooms, 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the blooms, sugar and lime juice. Simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Strain liquid into a container that can be covered and stored in the refrigerator. This will make about 4 cups of hibiscus syrup.
Place vodka, hibiscus syrup and lime juice into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top off with ginger ale. We always like to use diet so Craig can watch his waistline. Garnish with a lime wheel or use a hibiscus flower if you have one available. (See we told you that finding the hibiscus blooms was the hardest part!)
Hibiscus Spritz
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce hibiscus syrup*
- .75 ounce of lime juice
- chilled diet ginger ale
Instructions
- Place first three ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Top off with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or hibiscus flower.
- *Visit our website for directions for hibiscus syrup.
If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a full printable recipe for the Hibiscus Spritz.
This cocktail has a light, fruity flavor and a gorgeous, rich, red color. It is definitely going to be one of our easy go-to cocktails the next time we have guests on the patio. 🙂 Who knew the power of this potent flower could make such an impact?
Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.
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