This easy Hibiscus Lemonade is delicious, refreshing, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Takes just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes. Make this pretty pink lemonade for your next gathering or party. Caffeine-free. (Vegan, Gluten Free).
Prep lemon sugar:Zest 1of the lemons, removing just the yellow zest (avoid white pith). Add to a heatproof bowl with ½ cup granulated sugar. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar.
Steep:Add¼ cup dried hibiscus to the sugar mixture. Pour 1 cup boiling water over top. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Then let steep until the mixture has cooled to room temperature.
Juice lemons:Roll 3 to 4 lemons on the counter, then cut in half and squeeze until you have ⅔ cups of fresh lemon juice. Set aside (see note 3). (Save any extra juice for another use).
Combine:Once the hibiscus mixture has cooled, strain into a large pitcher (at least 5 cups/1.25 L capacity). Add the ⅔ cups of fresh lemon juice and 3¼ cups cold water. Stir to mix. Taste and adjust as needed (e.g. more sugar, lemon or water). Pour into glasses filled with ice and serve (see note 4). Refrigerate extras.
Notes
Lemons: This recipe uses both lemon zest and juice. For 1x batch, you'll need the zest from 1 lemon. And, ⅔ cup juice (typically from 3 to 4 lemons, squeezed). It's easier to zest the lemon first, then cut it in half to juice.
Dried Hibiscus: Use loose dried hibiscus flowers or leaves. You can find dried hibiscus in the spice or tea section of the grocery store, at Mexican or Middle Eastern stores, or online. ¼ cup dried hibiscus weighs 8 grams. You can substitute tea bags if needed (uses the same weight equivalent). Some "hibiscus tea" has other ingredients added to it, which could impact the flavor. Check the package to confirm.
Make ahead option: If squeezing the lemon juice in advance, cover and refrigerate it until needed. We find that lemon juice tends to lose some of its bright flavor when it sits out at room temperature for too long. Refrigerate extra hibiscus lemonade. Keeps for 4 to 5 days, but for best flavor enjoy within 3 days.
Serving tips: Unless you know you'll drink all the hibiscus lemonade at once, we recommend pouring it into glasses of ice (vs. filling pitcher with ice). This helps avoid over-diluting the lemonade if you have leftovers. Can be garnished with sliced lemon, mint, edible flowers, or other fresh herbs.
Yield: Makes about 4½ cups, without ice. Serves 6 (about ¾ cup per serving).