When the scorching heat of summer arrives, there's nothing more satisfying than a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade. But why settle for ordinary lemonade when you can elevate your refreshment game with the vibrant flavors of hibiscus? In this blog post, we'll share a simple and delicious recipe for Hibiscus Lemonade that will not only keep you cool but also tantalize your taste buds. So, grab your pitcher and let's get started!
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the star ingredient: lemons. These citrus fruits are not only zesty and tangy but also offer several health benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and aids in collagen production. They also contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. Additionally, lemons are known for their alkalizing properties, promoting balanced pH levels and aiding digestion.
In this recipe, we have the option to sweeten our Hibiscus Lemonade with either sugar, honey, or agave nectar. Choosing locally sourced honey can provide additional benefits. Local honey is known for its potential to alleviate allergies by exposing your body to small amounts of pollen, helping to build up immunity. It's important to note that honey should not be given to infants under one year old.
The use of hibiscus tea flowers in this recipe not only adds a vibrant red color but also brings a host of health benefits. Hibiscus is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps protect against cell damage. It may also aid in reducing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. Furthermore, hibiscus tea is often enjoyed for its potential diuretic properties and its ability to promote weight loss.
½ cup dry hibiscus tea flowers tightly packed
1 cup boiling hot water
1 cup sugar or 1 cup honey or ¾ cup agave nectar
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice from about ~6-8 lemons, depending on their size
3-4 cups cold water to taste (or ice water, if you want to serve immediately)
In a heat-safe bowl, combine the hibiscus tea flowers, boiling water, and 1 cup of sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves, and allow the mixture to steep for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the lemonade.
Squeeze enough lemons to obtain 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. If needed, you can supplement with bottled lemon juice, but fresh-squeezed lemons will give your lemonade the best flavor.
In a large pitcher, combine ¾ cup of the sweetened hibiscus tea (set some aside for now), lemon juice, and 3 cups of cold water. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference. If it needs more sweetness, add the remaining sweetened hibiscus tea. If it requires dilution, add more cold water.
Once you're satisfied with the flavor, you can serve the hibiscus lemonade immediately over ice or chill it in the refrigerator before serving.
The number of lemons needed may vary depending on their size and juiciness. Aim for approximately 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, using around 6-8 lemons as a general guideline. If necessary, you can supplement with bottled lemon juice, but try
Investing in a citrus squeezer is a great tool to have in the kitchen
Enjoy!
