Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe {not just for co*cktails} (2024)

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This recipe for All-Natural Hibiscus Simple Syrup adds a delightful subtle floral, lemony and slightly tangy flavor to craft co*cktails. But you can also use it for Italian sodas, iced-teas, buttercream, pancakes, yogurt, ice cream and more.

Simple syrups are the best, because they are…SIMPLE! 🙂 Easily infuse sugar and water with your favorite florals, fruits, herbs and more! And this simple syrup makes the most delicious drink and the prettiest pink co*cktails.

My basic All Natural Cane Sugar Simple Syrup, is great for sweetening co*cktails, drinks and hot drinks too!

Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe {not just for co*cktails} (1)

Why you will love this hibiscus simple syrup recipe

  • Use a splash to sweeten your favorite drink! You might especially love this hibiscus tea!
  • Simple syrups are the best way to sweeten cold drinks, since the sugar dissolves while making this beautiful syrup.

I’ve been waiting ALL summer for my beautiful hibiscus plant to bloom, it brings a little bit of the tropics to Colorado, I love it!

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All you need for this beautiful simple syrup are dried hibiscus flowers, now I haven’t tried drying my own, I bought these wonderful All-Natural Dried Flowers.

I love making passion tea concentrate with them as well, SO GOOD FOR YOU! High in antioxidants, these flowers are amazing, in fact it’s the primary ingredient in Tazo’s Passion Tea bags. And so very flavorful.

Simple Ingredients Hibiscus Syrup Recipe

Full recipe and measurements in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Hibiscus Flowers | Dried hibiscus flowers can be found online as well as in grocery stores like Whole Foods and Natural Grocers, try your local health food store.
  • Sugar | For this simple syrup, I like to use organic, unbleached cane sugar.
  • Water | Told you it was simple!
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How to make Hibiscus Syrup Recipe

Start by placing organic cane sugar (honey or agave), water and dried flowers into a medium pot and bring it to a boil, slowly, over medium heat. Stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.

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As it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook on low for 15 minutes, until slightly reduced and thicker.

Remove from heat and cool completely on the stove. It took about 45 minutes to an hour in the middle of summer for me. Once cooled, place a large glass bowl in the sink, fit with a fine wire-mesh strainer and strain the homemade hibiscus syrup from the liquid into the bowl.

Fresh Tip

Placing the bowl in the sink will reduce your chances of staining your counters or splattering/spilling all over you. Pour slowly. Don’t ask me why I know this, I just do! (wink-wink)

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Using a jar or other airtight container (a mason jar would work great too), placing a funnel on top of the jar, slowly pour your cooled hibiscus syrup into the jar.

If desired, label the jar, I love cute labels and these chalkboard labels work perfectly. I love jars, I’ve had this jar for 9 years, I picked it up at a little dairy store while on vacation in Maine!

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How to store Hibiscus Syrup

Can hibiscus syrup recipe go bad? Sure, they can get moldy, so it’s best to store your simple syrup in the fridge. I’ve had them last for up to 6 months.

Variations

  • Mint (fresh, 1 cup) | same ratio of sugar and water
  • Lavender (dried, 1 tablespoon) | Food grade lavender
  • Lemon (about 4 lemons, squeezed for ½ cup juice, zest from 1 lemon reduce to ½ sugar, omit water)
  • Replace the sugar with equal amounts of agave or use honey
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Ways to Use Simple Syrup

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this floral flavor:

  • A replacement for grenadine syrup in a Shirley Temple or other drinks, iced teas, punch and craft co*cktails
  • Pour over ice cream, sorbet or sherbet (perhaps over Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, or a lemon gelato, or rose pistachio??)
  • Freeze it into small ice cubes for iced tea’s and other drinks
  • Flavor Italian Sodas, it’s the prettiest pink color!
  • Make a Skinny co*cktail | Add a touch of sweetness to a glass filled with ice and club soda or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon juice and/or lime juice.
  • Bottle some for hostess, teacher, Christmas and food gift baskets. Don’t forget the gift tags!
  • Drizzle a little into your buttercream for both flavor and pink coloring, naturally!
  • But probably my favorite is in a hibiscus co*cktails, such as this amazing Hibiscus Mojito, Healthy Hibiscus Margaritas {co*cktail or Mocktail}.
  • Try creating a new co*cktail by adding a splash to your Moscow Mules or .

frequently asked questions

How long does hibiscus syrup last in fridge?

Keep this sweet, tart, basic simple syrup in the fridge from two weeks-3 months. I’ve had mine last longer, as long as it’s not growing fuzz or smell funny it’s good to use!

Is hibiscus syrup healthy?

Hibiscus itself is very healthy, it is great for your liver, now in a simple syrup, I”m not really sure, but it’s healthier than say a store bought high fructose corn syrup.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus

The hibiscus plant is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anthocyanin and it fights inflammation, is known to lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. It can promote weight loss, fight bacteria and supports liver health, so yes, I am saying that adding hibiscus tea to your diet can be very beneficial.

More simple syrups:

  • Blueberry Syrup | Another naturally flavored and colored syrup! WOW! Try it over pancakes, waffles, on ice cream and yogurt!
  • Cranberry Simple Syrup | Again a WOW looker to add pizazz to any drink, even non-alcoholic drinks like this Cranberry Spritzer.
  • Mint Simple Syrup | Wouldn’t this be amazing in any Mojito or Mint Julep?
  • Gingerbread Simple Syrup | Now we are talking! You can become a barista in your own home with this all-natural and delicious syrup.
  • Lavender Simple Syrup | I think I could just sit and smell this delicious syrup. I could see drizzling this in a cup of Earl Gray tea or brushing on a lemon cake.

Have you made some unusual simple syrups, if so I’d love to hear what they are?

If you made this new recipe I’d love to hear what you thought of the hibiscus flavor.

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe {not just for co*cktails} (8)

Easy Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe

This Hibiscus Simple Syrup adds a subtle floral, lemony and slightly tangy flavor to craft co*cktails, Italian sodas, iced-teas, buttercream and ice cream.

5 from 3 votes

Click stars to rate now!

Print Pin Save Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 1 ounce servings

Calories: 64kcal

Author: Kathleen Pope

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Add water, sugar (honey or agave) and dried flowers to a medium pot. Slowly bring to a boil while stirring occasionally, over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer on low for 15 minutes until slightly reduced and syrup like (it won’t be very thick).

  • Cool completely in pan, about 45-60 minutes. Placing pourable measuring bowl in sink, fitted with a mesh strainer, slowly pour liquid into bowl. Fit a small jar with a funnel and slowly pour the hibiscus syrup into the jar.

  • Secure with lid, store in refrigerator 2 weeks to 3 months.

Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Ways to Use Simple Syrup

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this floral flavor:

  • A replacement for grenadine syrup in a Shirley Temple or other drinks, iced teas, punch and craft co*cktails
  • Pour over ice cream, sorbet or sherbet (perhaps over Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, or a lemon gelato, or rose pistachio??)
  • Freeze it into small ice cubes for iced tea’s and other drinks
  • Flavor Italian Sodas, it’s the prettiest pink color!
  • Make a Skinny co*cktail | Add a touch of sweetness to a glass filled with ice and club soda or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon juice and/or lime juice.
  • Bottle some for hostess, teacher, Christmas and food gift baskets. Don’t forget the gift tags!
  • Drizzle a little into your buttercream for both flavor and pink coloring, naturally!
  • But probably my favorite is in a hibiscus co*cktails, such as this amazing Hibiscus Mojito, Healthy Hibiscus Margaritas {co*cktail or Mocktail}.
  • Try creating a new co*cktail by adding a splash to your Moscow Mules, , Hibiscus Margarita.

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.02mg

Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe {not just for co*cktails} (9)

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Homemade Hibiscus Syrup Recipe {not just for co*cktails} (2024)

FAQs

What is hibiscus syrup made of? ›

Directions. Bring water, white sugar, hibiscus, brown sugar, ginger, and lemon zest to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until sugars dissolve and flowers soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and steep syrup until flavors combine, about 5 minutes.

What to do with hibiscus flowers in syrup? ›

Suggested Uses

The classic use for flowers in syrup is to just add bubbly but the applications go above and beyond with the many food and beverages - sweet and savory. They are even a fantastic treat for children's fun drinks, desserts and even savory dishes.

How to make long lasting simple syrup? ›

According to Camper English of Alcademics, the shelf life of simple syrup can be lengthened two ways: upping the ratio of sugar to water, or adding neutral spirit. The difference is surprising. Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will only stay good for about a month.

How do you make hibiscus extract at home? ›

The ingredients are simple: dried hibiscus petals, sugar, and water, a squeeze of lemon and 1/4 vanilla bean. Bring it all to a boil on the stove top and let it steep for 30 minutes. Strain once through a sieve, then again through a tea towel or cheesecloth, and then pour into sterilized bottles.

What does hibiscus do to your stomach? ›

In some people, hibiscus tea may cause an upset stomach or gas. Some may also be allergic to hibiscus. Generally, though, it appears to cause few reactions with short-term use.

Is Hibiscus syrup good for you? ›

It's important to use hibiscus syrup in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Nutritional benefits: Hibiscus flowers are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and other beneficial compounds.

What not to mix with hibiscus? ›

People taking chloroquine for the treatment or prevention of malaria should avoid Hibiscus sabdariffa products. Be cautious with this combination. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa while taking diclofenac might alter levels of diclofenac in the body. This might change the effects and side effects of diclofenac.

What tastes good with hibiscus? ›

Hibiscus Flavor Pairings

Its fruit-leaning profile pairs perfectly with dark red fruits like sweet cherry and cranberry or refreshing citrus fruits like tangerine, lemon and orange peel (FoodPairing™).

What happens when hibiscus is added to lemon juice? ›

Answer: the plant named Hibiscus on coming in contact with Hibiscus the lemon juice turn red.

How do you make syrup that doesn't harden? ›

So the answer is the length of time spent heating the sugar and water solution, which makes the syrup. To prevent the crystals from forming you need to prolong the heating or cooking time. Instead of just bringing the sugar and water to a boil you need to simmer it covered for 10 minutes.

What is the formula of simple syrup? ›

Traditional simple syrup is made from one part water to one part sugar (1:1). White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you've mastered that basic base, feel free to experiment with different sugars, while being sure to keep the ratio the same.

How do you keep homemade syrup from hardening? ›

Keep your mixture at medium heat when mixing it in a saucepan on the stovetop. It doesn't need to boil. Using distilled water helps crystals from forming, however crystallization still happens if the simple syrup is placed in the fridge or if the 2 parts water to 1 part sweetener ratio isn't followed.

How many hibiscus flowers to make oil? ›

To make hibiscus hair oil you'll need - hibiscus flower (2-3), hibiscus leaves(2-3) and coconut oil (1/2 cup). How to make: First, crush the hibiscus flower (petals) and leaves using the mortar and pestle. Take a small pot and add 1/2 of coconut oil (or as much as you want).

Is Epsom salt good for hibiscus? ›

A good fertilizer ratio for hibiscus is 12-4-18 or a “high bloom” water-soluble fertilizer. Slow-release granular fertilizers, like Osmocote, can be used in combination with water soluble fertilizer when irrigating. Magnesium sulfate, also called Epsom salt, gives hibiscus foliage a good dark green color.

How do you store hibiscus flowers? ›

Ideally, you should have a 1 in (2.5 cm) thick layer of silica gel on top of the flower. Cover the container with a lid and leave it alone for 2 to 6 days. Make sure that the lid is on tightly, as any moisture could prevent the silica gel from working properly.

What is the flavor of hibiscus? ›

Known for its tart and subtly sweet flavor, hibiscus is often used in summer-time sweet and or tropical teas (Republic of Tea). Its fruit-leaning profile pairs perfectly with dark red fruits like sweet cherry and cranberry or refreshing citrus fruits like tangerine, lemon and orange peel (FoodPairing™).

What is hibiscus and what does it taste like? ›

Known for its vibrant, beautiful flowers, hibiscus has been described as cranberry-like in taste, according to FONA International. While commonly consumed when dried and turned into a tea, according to FONA International, hibiscus can also add floral notes to baked dishes, and can also be used when making sangria.

Is hibiscus a healthy drink? ›

Studies have shown that antioxidants in the hibiscus plant have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, hibiscus tea certainly has some promising potential health benefits, like lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar and reducing your blood lipid levels.

What kind of flavor is hibiscus? ›

For Starters, It's Not Exactly a Flower. Come for hibiscus's deep red color, stay for its tart, floral flavor.

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