Description
A vibrant and refreshing Berry Hibiscus Refresher, bursting with fruity flavors and a tangy twist. Perfect for hot days or any time you need a delicious pick-me-up!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups water, divided
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- Optional: Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
- Optional: Lime slices, for garnish
- Optional: Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Water: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Steep the Hibiscus: Remove from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Stir gently to submerge.
- Cover and Steep: Cover and steep for at least 20 minutes (up to 1 hour for stronger flavor).
- Strain the Concentrate: Strain the hibiscus mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (lined with cheesecloth if available) into a heat-resistant bowl or pitcher. Discard the hibiscus flowers.
- Combine Berries and Sugar: In a separate saucepan, combine the mixed berries and granulated sugar.
- Macerate the Berries: Gently mash the berries with a fork or potato masher.
- Cook the Berry Mixture: Add the remaining 3 cups of water to the saucepan with the berries and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer and Infuse: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Strain the Berry Infusion: Strain the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. Press down on the berries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the berry pulp.
- Combine Hibiscus Concentrate and Berry Infusion: Pour the strained hibiscus concentrate into the pitcher containing the strained berry infusion. Stir well.
- Add Lime Juice: Add the fresh lime juice to the pitcher.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
- Chill the Refresher: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Notes
- Different Berries: Experiment with different types of berries like blackberries, cranberries, or cherries.
- Sweetener Options: Use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a cinnamon stick to the berry mixture while simmering.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the berry mixture while simmering.
- Hibiscus Tea Bags: Use 6-8 hibiscus tea bags instead of dried hibiscus flowers.
- Make it a Mocktail: Muddle fresh cucumber and mint in the bottom of a glass, then top with the Berry Hibiscus Refresher and sparkling water.
- Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes