Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade is bound to become a favorite for several reasons:
- Unique and Refreshing Flavor – The hibiscus infusion pairs perfectly with the lemon, creating a tangy and floral flavor that’s both invigorating and unique.
- Easy to Make – With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and can be whipped up quickly.
- Customizable Sweetness – You can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less honey, or even swapping for a sugar substitute.
- Perfect for Hot Days – This icy treat is just what you need to cool off and refresh on a hot afternoon.
- Beautifully Vibrant – The rich color of the hibiscus infusion gives the lemonade a striking hue, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, enjoying a relaxing day at home, or looking for a fun new drink, this Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 cups hibiscus flowers
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups ice
- 1/2 cup cold water
Directions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Infusion: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the hibiscus flowers and stir gently. Reduce the heat and let the hibiscus flowers steep for about 10 minutes, allowing the water to absorb their color and flavor.
- Strain the Mixture: After steeping, strain the hibiscus mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing lightly to extract all the liquid.
- Cool the Infusion: Let the hibiscus infusion cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Blend the Lemonade: Once cooled, pour the hibiscus infusion into a blender. Add 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 cups of ice, and 1/2 cup of cold water to the blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and slushy. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Serve: Pour the frozen lemonade into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with extra lemon slices or a sprig of mint for an added touch of color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 2 hours (for cooling)
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
This refreshing drink is perfect for summer days and can be made in advance to chill in the fridge for a quick serving when you need it.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: While best served fresh, you can store the leftover frozen hibiscus lemonade in the freezer for up to a day. Keep it tightly covered, and when you’re ready to enjoy, let it soften slightly before serving.
- Reheating: This is a frozen drink, so it’s best enjoyed cold and slushy. There’s no need for reheating!
FAQs
1. Where can I find hibiscus flowers?
Hibiscus flowers can be found at most health food stores, specialty spice shops, or online. Look for dried hibiscus petals used for making herbal teas.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of freshly squeezed lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if you’re in a pinch.
3. Can I make this recipe less sweet?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup to taste.
4. Can I add alcohol to this drink for a cocktail version?
Yes! To turn this into a refreshing cocktail, you can add a splash of vodka or rum to the blend. A little splash of gin could also complement the floral hibiscus flavor.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can make the hibiscus infusion ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to blend the lemonade. Just be sure to allow it to cool before blending with the ice.
6. Can I use frozen hibiscus flowers instead of dried?
While fresh or dried hibiscus flowers are best for infusions, frozen hibiscus flowers can be used if needed, though the flavor might be slightly altered. Just make sure to thaw and strain them properly before use.
7. Can I make this into a slushy with more ice?
Yes, feel free to add more ice to the blender to make it thicker and more slushy. Just adjust the amount of cold water to ensure the mixture blends smoothly.
8. How long can I store this drink in the fridge?
It’s best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just note that it might lose its slushiness as it melts.
9. Can I add other fruits to this lemonade?
Yes! You can add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple for an additional fruity twist. Blend them in with the hibiscus mixture for a unique flavor.
10. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to replace the honey for a sugar-free version.
Conclusion
Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade is a beautifully refreshing drink that combines the tartness of hibiscus with the zesty kick of fresh lemon. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day or impress guests with a unique, floral twist on a classic lemonade. Easy to make, customizable, and simply delicious, this vibrant drink will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with every sip. Try it today and enjoy a burst of cool, tangy goodness!
Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade: A Refreshing, Tangy Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Frozen Hibiscus Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy treat made by combining floral hibiscus flowers with zesty lemonade, frozen to icy perfection. This vibrant, easy-to-make beverage is the perfect summer refresher, offering a unique twist on your classic lemonade.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups hibiscus flowers
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
2 cups ice
1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Infusion: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the hibiscus flowers and stir gently. Reduce the heat and let the hibiscus flowers steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the Mixture: After steeping, strain the hibiscus mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing lightly to extract all the liquid.
- Cool the Infusion: Let the hibiscus infusion cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Blend the Lemonade: Once cooled, pour the hibiscus infusion into a blender. Add 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup honey, 2 cups ice, and 1/2 cup cold water.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and slushy. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Serve: Pour the frozen lemonade into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with extra lemon slices or a sprig of mint for an added touch.
Notes
If you don’t have fresh hibiscus flowers, you can use hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus petals.
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the blend.
Feel free to adjust the ice and water to make it more or less slushy based on your preference.
For an adult twist, try adding a splash of vodka or rum for a refreshing cocktail version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
