Hibiscus limeade is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. This easy recipe is made with fresh squeezed lime juice, still or sparkling water and homemade hibiscus syrup.
Hibiscus limeade is a staple of Mexican culture and goes great with tacos, sunshine and pools!
This recipe is a fun addition to barbeques, pool days and more! The whole family can enjoy this refreshment and it is especially great for kids and expecting moms. If the grown-ups are looking for something boozy - add a splash of vodka, tequila or check out our Hibiscus Margarita recipe!
What is Hibiscus?
Hibiscus refers to several species of a beautiful flowering plant. These flowers grow naturally throughout subtropical and tropical regions. The flowers grow in a wide array of colors including white, yellow, pink, purple and red.
For this recipe, we recommend using dried red hibiscus flowers. These flowers make for a pretty pink mocktail that has a tart and fruity flavor.
How To Make Hibiscus Syrup
Hibiscus syrup is easy to make and can be used in a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails! For more information, check out our full Hibiscus Syrup post, here:
- First, bring a cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Add in equal parts sugar.
- Stir until completely dissolved and the syrup is clear.
- Next, add dried hibiscus flowers.
- Stir the flowers into the syrup until completely saturated.
- Allow the flowers to steep into the syrup for about 3 hours.
- Finally, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined funnel. Discard the pieces of hibiscus.
- The syrup is ready to add into hibiscus limeade, desserts or cocktails!
Hibiscus Syrup
Check out our entire hibiscus syrup recipe post for more information on hibiscus, detailed instructions and unique flavor variations!
Tips for the Best Hibiscus Limeade
- Allow the hibiscus syrup to steep for at least 2 hours. Time is key to making a hibiscus syrup with vibrant coloring and tart floral flavor!
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice. Lime is the star ingredient of this recipe. We recommend using freshly-squeezed citrus juice whenever possible.
- Shake single servings in a cocktail tin. For ice cold deliciousness, shake this limeade with ice to properly dilute and emulsify this drink.
- Serve immediately! Hibiscus limeade is best when mixed and served to order! If making party-sized pitchers, keep the ice on the side to avoid serving watery, melted limeade.
- Garnish! Everyone enjoys a pretty pink beverage! Spruce this hibiscus limeade up with a fresh lime wheel, hibiscus flower or sprig of mint!
Recipe
Hibiscus Limeade
ADJUST SERVINGS
Special Equipment
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer (or cheescloth)
- 1 Cocktail Shaker (Optional for single servings)
Ingredients
Hibiscus Syrup
- ½ Cup dried hibiscus flowers organic
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Cup water
Hibiscus Limeade (Single Serving)
- 1½ ounces Hibiscus Syrup
- 1½ ounces lime juice freshly squeezed (About 1½ limes)
- 5 ounces water or soda water
- Ice as needed for shaking and serving
- Lime wheels, mint sprigs or fresh hibiscus flowers optional garnish
Hibiscus Limeade Pitcher (8 Servings)
- 1½ Cups Hibiscus Syrup
- 1½ Cups lime juice freshly squeezed (About 12 limes)
- 5 Cups water or soda water
- Ice as needed for stirring and serving
- Lime wheels, mint sprigs or fresh hibiscus flowers optional garnish
Instructions
Hibiscus Syrup
- Gather, measure and prepare the Hibiscus Syrup ingredients as listed.
- In a small sauce pot, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add in granulated sugar. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup in clear.
- Add in dried hibiscus flowers and stir to saturate. Allow to steep at room temperature for 2 - 4 hours. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth lined funnel) to remove the hibiscus flowers and discard. Syrup can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 - 3 weeks. Enjoy!
Hibiscus Limeade (Single Serving)
- Gather, measure and prepare the Hibiscus Limeade ingredients as listed.
- Combine hibiscus syrup, lime juice, ice and still water in a cocktail shaker. (If using soda water, add later). Shake vigorously for 20 - 30 seconds until ice cold. Pour over ice in a glass. (If using soda water, top mixture with soda and stir gently to combine.) Garnish, as desired, and serve immediately.
Hibiscus Limeade Pitcher (8 Servings)
- Gather, measure and prepare the Hibiscus Limeade ingredients as listed.
- Combine hibiscus syrup, lime juice, ice and still water in a pitcher. (If using soda water, add later). Stir vigorously for 30 - 60 seconds or until ice cold. (If using soda water, top mixture with soda and stir gently to combine.) Serve immediately with glasses of ice and garnishes, if using. (See note: a.)
Notes
* A Note About Salt
Unless otherwise noted, all recipes on The Sage Apron are developed using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. It is a great all-purpose salt for cooking and baking. If using table salt, reduce quantities by about half.
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