Hibiscus Syrup

Liven up your cocktails and mocktails with a fresh and floral Hibiscus Syrup. These fuchsia and dark red flowers lend their earthy, floral flavor to any drink you try it in.

A jar filled with dark red liquid sits on a white surface, surrounded by a measuring jigger, a gold spoon, and a small bowl of dried hibiscus petals.

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About this Hibiscus Syrup recipe

Trying unique flavors at cocktail bars is a great way to find out more about what you like and don’t like. It can be hit or miss, but for me it’s usually a hit!

The first time I tried a hibiscus margarita, I needed to recreate that magic at home. The best way to do that is with infusions like this hibiscus simple syrup.

Not only does bear a beautifully vibrant, deep, magenta color, hibiscus syrup adds a bold flavor that’s almost bittersweet and cranberry-like.

You can use this syrup in all kinds of drinks that call for simple syrup, from hibiscus tea to lemonade to creative cocktails. It is super simple and easy to put together.

More floral syrup recipes: Butterfly Pea Flower SyrupLavender SyrupElderflower Syrup

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me tell you why this hibiscus syrup recipe is going to be your new favorite addition to your home bar:

  1. Hibiscus adds a floral twist to the classic margarita and so many other cocktails.
  2. This rich, exotic syrup adds a bold flavor to anything you use it in.
  3. Finally, this recipe is easy for beginner bartenders to make at home.
A glass measuring cup with a wooden handle filled with dark red liquid, surrounded by a bottle, a gold object, and dried petals on a white surface.

Tools & equipment

You don’t need a lot to make simple syrup at home. Grab a medium saucepan to prepare the hibiscus syrup. A fine-mesh strainer * will help to strain out any solids, keeping your syrup smooth.

The other thing you need is something to store it in. You’ll want to get an airtight container to keep your syrups in — they must be stored in the fridge. A set of mason jars is a wise investment if you like making syrups. You can even add a mason jar pour spout lid to your jar for easy pouring.

A measuring cup of water, a metal cup of sugar, and a bowl of dried hibiscus flowers are arranged on a white surface with labels indicating each ingredient.

Ingredients

You can find all the ingredients for hibiscus margarita at your local supermarket and liquor store. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

A small white dish with red liquid and a spoon, next to a jar of red liquid, a brass container, and a bowl of dried hibiscus petals.

Substitutions & variations

Make it work for you! Here are some easy ways to modify this recipe:

  • Spicy hibiscus syrup: Add some jalapeño slices à la this jalapeño syrup to make a spicy version of this syrup.
  • Sugar swaps: Use honey, brown sugar or agave nectar * instead of granulated sugar. The red color that the hibiscus flowers bring is so deep, it shouldn’t affect the color much.
  • Other flowers and flavors: You can swap in some or all of the dried hibiscus flowers * for another floral flavor. You can also add fresh mint or other herbs into the mix as it steeps.

Instructions

You can make this hibiscus syrup recipe in a few simple steps:

A close-up view of hibiscus petals steeping in deep red liquid inside a metal pot.
A stream of white granulated sugar is being poured into a pot filled with dark red liquid.

Add hibiscus and water to a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Strain the hot liquid through a fine-mesh sieve * to remove the flowers and any solids. Measure the remaining liquid, then return it to the pot over medium heat. Measure out the same amount of sugar as the liquid. Stir until completely dissolved.

Remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in a clean, food-safe, airtight container such as a mason jar in the refrigerate for up to 1 month.

Tips & tricks

For the best results, keep these key tips in mind while making this hibiscus syrup recipe:

  • Strain the flowers out before adding sugar to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
  • Store the finished syrup in a clean, airtight bottle in the fridge for up to two weeks.
  • Try it in just about any recipe that calls for simple syrup!

Storage tips & shelf life

Since this homemade, floral simple syrup doesn’t have a stabilizer, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 2 weeks when stored in the fridge.

You can also freeze simple syrup! If you need more ideas, I have a whole post with the best tips and tricks on how to store simple syrup.

A jar filled with dark red liquid sits on a white surface, surrounded by dried hibiscus petals, a glass with more liquid, a brass bowl, gold spoon, and a tall gold object.

How to use Hibiscus Syrup

Once you have your hibiscus syrup, there are so many ways to use it! It goes well with citrus, herbs and

Cocktails: Use it instead of simple syrup in your favorite drink recipes, like the classic margarita or a paloma. It would also take the old standby, the whiskey sour, up a notch.

Mocktails: Use it to make a margarita mocktail. It would also be good stirred into agua fresca or lemonade.

Tea: Stir this floral syrup into iced green tea or even a squeeze of lemon and hot water for a quick, colorful twist on a tea latte or herbal tonic.

FAQ

May I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of dried?

Dried hibiscus flowers are typically used because they’re more concentrated and shelf-stable. Fresh petals can be used but may have a milder flavor. Also, be certain they are pesticide-free and food-safe.

Is hibiscus safe for everyone to drink?

Hibiscus is generally safe, but people with allergies to pollen or certain flowers may want to use caution. It’s also wise to consult a doctor if you’re pregnant or taking medication, as hibiscus can interact with some prescriptions.

A glass jar filled with dark red liquid, with a spoon and a small bowl of dried hibiscus petals beside it on a white surface.

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A glass jar filled with dark red hibiscus syrup sits on a white surface, surrounded by dried hibiscus petals, a metal jigger, and a bowl with more petals.

Hibiscus Syrup

Yield: 8 ounces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Hibiscus syrup is a bright, tangy-sweet syrup made from dried hibiscus flowers *, perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to drinks and desserts.
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ingredients

instructions

  • Add hibiscus and water to a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Strain the hot liquid through a fine-mesh sieve * to remove the flowers and any solids. Measure the remaining liquid, then return it to the pot over medium heat. Measure out the same amount of sugar as the liquid. Stir until completely dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  • Store in a clean, food-safe, airtight container such as a mason jar in the refrigerate for up to 1 month.

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nutrition information

Yield: 8 ounces

amount per serving:

Serving: 1ounce Calories: 72kcal Carbohydrates: 19g Fat: 0.1g Sodium: 3mg Potassium: 2mg Sugar: 19g Vitamin A: 29IU Calcium: 2mg Iron: 0.02mg
did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #feastandwestrecipes!

About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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