Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is like preparing your canvas before painting a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup hibiscus flowers (dried)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Juice of 2 limes
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute the sugar with honey for a touch of earthiness or add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Instructions
The creation of these drinks is an art, much like the careful folding of flour into dough. Follow these steps:
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the hibiscus flowers and cinnamon stick.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the hibiscus to impart its rich, ruby color.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
- Strain the hibiscus concentrate into a pitcher, discarding the solids. Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lime juice. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Refrigerate until well chilled, about an hour, or serve immediately over ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
As you stir and pour, remember the joy of creating something from scratch, much like those early mornings when I’d sneak into the kitchen, eager to bake something new.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International