Using dried hibiscus flowers to flavor a simple syrup will result in a sweet-tart, slightly astringent, floral flavored syrup with a beautiful deep red color. This Hibiscus Syrup is a stunning and versatile syrup which can be used in a variety of ways in drinks, desserts, fruit salads, and more.
Jump to:
Why this works
- Dried hibiscus flowers impart floral, slightly tangy, and astringent flavors to the syrup and gives it a rich, ruby-red color.
- A short steep time ensures the syrup is not too astringent but still flavorful.
How to make it
Making hibiscus simple syrup is very similar to making tea. You simmer the hibiscus leaves, or hibiscus tea bags, in a basic simple syrup for 5-10 minutes, then remove the hibiscus leaves or tea bags.
Tip: If you want a stronger hibiscus flavor, double the amount of dried hibiscus.
Ingredient Notes:
Dried Hibiscus Flowers OR Hibiscus Teabags - Dried Hibiscus Flowers can be purchased online and at some international grocery stores. Occasionally, regular grocery stores might carry them in the Middle Eastern or Mexican grocery area.
However, unless you are making a lot of syrup or have other uses for dried hibiscus flowers, I recommend using Tazo's Passion Herbal Tea bags or another brand of hibiscus tea.
Note: Tea Republic's hibiscus tea is delicious, but it contains stevia, which will impact the flavor of the syrup. I recommend NOT using it.
Granulated Sugar - Plain granulated sugar is recommended due to its consistent results. The hibiscus flavor is strong enough that brown sugar is a suitable alternative. Monkfruit, stevia, or alternative sweeteners are not ideal for this, and I recommend against them as the consistency, which is important for drinks, and sweetness level will be dramatically impacted.
Related: SIMPLE SYRUPS FOR DRINKS: THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where to use it
This can be used to sweeten and add a herbal, slightly astringent flavor to lemonades, mocktails, Italian sodas, or other craft beverages.
It can also be used on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt or drizzled over a fresh fruit salad. It's especially delicious if the fruit salad has mint or basil in it! It's also great for Italian sodas or a hibiscus margarita.
Note: Hibiscus is surprisingly acidic. Keep that in mind if your recipe already calls for an acidic element, such as lemon juice. My favorite drink is lemonade, made with homemade hibiscus syrup.
Related: Watermelon and Feta Salad with Hibiscus Glaze
If you love the hibiscus flavor, I recommend checking out the guest post I did on my friend's blog several years ago: Watermelon and Feta Salad with Hibiscus Glaze
Equipment
Small saucepan
Fine wire-mesh strainer (if using dried flowers rather than hibiscus tea bags)
Storage bottle
Related: Check out the Tools and Tips for Simple Syrups article for product recommendations and explanations.
Tips
Don't leave the hibiscus flowers or tea bags in the syrup for more than 15 or so minutes. The longer the steeping time, the more astringent the syrup will become. If you want as highly astringent hibiscus syrup, increase the water to 1 ½ cups, keep the sugar at 1 cup, and double the amount of flowers or tea bags. Then, let the mixture steep for 30 to 60 minutes.
Use a funnel to transfer the syrup to a storage bottle. It's worth doing in your sink, as hibiscus can stain!
Hosting Tips
Hibiscus Simple Syrup will stain fabrics and surfaces!! As such, I highly recommend using it for drinks or desserts if you trust your guests not to spill.
Garnishing a floral-based drink with edible fresh flowers is a lovely touch.
Cheers!
Susan
FAQ
Yes, you can! However, I recommend testing a few different tea brands to see which ones you like. Teas usually have other ingredients besides dried hibiscus flowers, and those might significantly impact the taste of the hibiscus syrup.
Generally, yes. Hibiscus sabdariffa (the scientific name for hibiscus), also known as Jamaica sorrel, is edible.
If you're buying dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea, those are made for eating. If you're out foraging in the wild, consult a reputable book.
See more on Tyrant Farms: EDIBLE HIBISCUS? HOW TO GROW AND USE HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA
Tazo Passion Tea is a Hibiscus tea with orange peel, rosehip, and lemongrass. It's my personal favorite.
No! Hibiscus, and by extension, hibiscus tea, is naturally caffeine-free.
📖 Recipe
Hibiscus Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Storage bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 5 Tazo Passion Tea bags (my preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Make the syrupIn a small saucepan add the sugar, water, and hibiscus. Stir occasionally over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.Once the sugar has dissolved, simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- SteepRemove pan from heat, cover, and allow syrup to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and StoreOnce it rests overnight, strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer. Store for up to four weeks in an airtight container in the fridge.
Join the Discussion!