Description
This Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade is a refreshing and vibrant beverage perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers to create a tart and floral infusion, then blended with fresh lemon juice, honey, ice, and water to create a smooth, slushy lemonade with natural sweetness and bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Hibiscus Infusion
- 1 1/2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 1/2 cups water
Lemonade Mixture
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups ice
- 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan to prepare for steeping the hibiscus flowers.
- Add Hibiscus Flowers: Add the hibiscus flowers to the boiling water and stir gently to combine flavors.
- Steep Hibiscus: Reduce the heat and let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes, allowing the water to absorb the vibrant color and tart flavor of the hibiscus.
- Strain Mixture: Strain the hibiscus infusion through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing lightly on the flowers to extract all the liquid.
- Cool Hibiscus Infusion: Let the strained hibiscus mixture cool to room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
- Prepare Blender: Pour the cooled hibiscus infusion into a blender to begin assembling the lemonade.
- Add Lemon Juice: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the blender for a bright citrus punch.
- Add Honey: Pour in the honey to sweeten the lemonade, stirring to ensure it dissolves evenly.
- Add Ice: Add the ice cubes to the blender to create the frozen, slushy texture.
- Pour Cold Water: Add the cold water to help blend the ingredients smoothly without making the lemonade too thick.
- Blend Ingredients: Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is smooth and slushy, creating a perfect frozen lemonade consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and add extra honey if a sweeter drink is preferred.
- Serve: Pour the finished frozen hibiscus lemonade into glasses immediately.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lemon slices or a sprig of mint to enhance presentation and add a fresh aroma.
Notes
- For an extra cold drink, chill the hibiscus infusion thoroughly before blending.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey based on personal preference.
- Fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
- Use dried hibiscus flowers sourced from a reputable supplier for optimal flavor and color.
- This drink can be made ahead by preparing the hibiscus infusion and refrigerating it until ready to blend.
