Hibiscus flowers are known for their vibrant colors and tart, cranberry-like flavor. While fresh hibiscus flowers can be used to make teas, liquids, and garnishes, preserving the flowers in syrup allows you to enjoy their flavor long after they’ve bloomed. Hibiscus syrup is often bright red or pink and tends to take on the flavor of whatever liquid it’s steeped in. This makes it incredibly versatile in both sweet and savory applications. Below are some of the best and most creative ways to use hibiscus syrup.
Beverages
One of the most popular uses for hibiscus syrup is in beverages. A small amount stirred into water, soda, champagne, or citrus juice is an easy way to add a burst of color and floral fruitiness. Here are some beverage ideas:
- Hibiscus lemonade – Stir a few tablespoons of hibiscus syrup into lemonade for a pink drink that’s tangy and refreshing.
- Hibiscus margarita – Combine hibiscus syrup with tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur. Garnish with lime.
- Hibiscus iced tea – For an antioxidant-rich spin on traditional iced tea, mix brewed black or herbal tea with hibiscus syrup.
- Virgin hibiscus mojito – Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and hibiscus syrup, then top with soda water.
- Hibiscus champagne cocktail – Top off a flute of champagne or prosecco with a splash of hibiscus syrup.
- Hibiscus soda – Stir 2-3 tablespoons of hibiscus syrup into soda water or ginger ale for a homemade flavored soda.
You can play around with different syrup to liquid ratios. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of hibiscus syrup per 8 ounces of liquid. Adjust to taste. The hibiscus flavor will be more pronounced with more syrup.
Desserts
The tart flavor of hibiscus pairs perfectly with sweet desserts. It adds visual appeal as well. Here are some ways to incorporate hibiscus syrup into desserts:
- Hibiscus poached pears – Poach pear halves in hibiscus syrup. Serve with yogurt or ice cream.
- Hibiscus cheesecake swirl – Make a cheesecake filling and hibiscus syrup swirl in a graham cracker crust.
- Hibiscus cream puffs – Fill cream puffs with sweetened whipped cream flavored with hibiscus syrup.
- Hibiscus rice pudding – Infuse rice pudding with hibiscus syrup for color and flavor.
- Hibiscus crepes – Make basic crepes and drizzle hibiscus syrup over them. Fold up and top with fruit.
- Hibiscus macarons – Flavor french macaron shells and filling with hibiscus syrup.
- Hibiscus buttercream – Beat hibiscus syrup into buttercream frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
- Hibiscus granita – Blend hibiscus syrup with water and freeze into colorful granita.
You’ll want to adjust syrup amounts based on the intensity of the hibiscus flavor and desired color. As a general guideline, start with 2-4 tablespoons of syrup per cup of other ingredients.
Savory Dishes
While most often considered a dessert flavor, hibiscus syrup can be used in savory dishes as well. A small amount adds a subtle sweet-tart flavor that complements many cuisines. Ways to use it in cooking include:
- Salad dressings – Whisk hibiscus syrup into vinaigrettes for color and flavor.
- Sauces – Stir hibiscus syrup into pan sauces, marinades, and glazes.
- Meats – Brush hibiscus syrup onto chicken, pork, or fish before cooking.
- Vegetables – Toss roasted vegetables with a few tablespoons of hibiscus syrup.
- Cocktails – Rim glasses with hibiscus syrup for colorful drink garnishes.
- Cheese boards – Drizzle hibiscus syrup lightly over soft cheeses.
Start with 1-2 teaspoons of hibiscus syrup per serving when adding it to savory dishes. You can always add more to adjust the sweetness and flavor.
DIY Hibiscus Syrup Recipe
It’s easy to make your own hibiscus syrup at home, customized to your preferred flavor and sweetness level. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 2 cups water
- 1-1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional, enhances tartness)
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Let steep 15-20 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove flowers. Press with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Return the liquid to the saucepan and stir in the sugar and lemon juice, if using. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Adjust the sugar based on your desired sweetness level. Start with 1 cup and taste as you go.
This quick homemade syrup is easily customized. Experiment with different liquids (juice, wine, etc.) or mix in spices like cinnamon, ginger or vanilla.
Storage
Stored properly, hibiscus syrup will keep for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage up to a few months, keep it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
To extend the shelf life, add a bit of lemon juice, vinegar or alcohol to increase the acidity. This prevents bacterial growth.
Always store hibiscus syrup in an airtight glass jar or bottle. Metal containers can react with acidic ingredients.
Extra Hibiscus Syrup Ideas
Once you have a batch of hibiscus syrup on hand, get creative with how to use it! Here are a few unique ways to put your syrup to use:
- Yogurt parfait – Layer yogurt with fruit, granola and drizzles of hibiscus syrup.
- Overnight oats – Stir hibiscus syrup into overnight oats along with fruit, nuts and spices.
- Tropical fruit dip – Swirl hibiscus syrup into Greek yogurt for a colorful fruit dip.
- Salad booster – Whisk a splash of hibiscus syrup into bottled salad dressings.
- Sweeten up tea – Add a spoonful of the syrup to unsweetened iced tea.
- Yogurt smoothies – Blend hibiscus syrup into fruit smoothies made with yogurt.
- Pancake syrup – Drizzle hibiscus syrup over pancakes, waffles and French toast.
- Energy bites – Mix some syrup into no-bake energy bite and bar recipes.
Let your creativity run wild! Hibiscus syrup is one of those versatile ingredients that plays well in sweet and savory recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hibiscus syrup healthy?
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and studies show it may offer benefits like lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol and anti-inflammatory effects. However, commercially made syrup often contains a lot of added sugar. Enjoy hibiscus syrup in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
What does hibiscus syrup taste like?
Hibiscus syrup has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. It’s lightly sweet and acidic. The flavor can vary based on the liquid used to make the syrup.
Can you make hibiscus syrup without sugar?
Yes, you can make sugar-free hibiscus syrup by using a natural zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also reduce the sugar in a recipe as long as you keep some for preservation.
What can you use hibiscus syrup for?
Hibiscus syrup is incredibly versatile! Use it in beverages like lemonade, margaritas and champagne cocktails. Drizzle it over desserts like ice cream and cheesecake or use it to sweeten and flavor yogurt and oatmeal. It’s also great in salad dressings, sauces and on meats.
Does hibiscus syrup need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s important to store hibiscus syrup in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth. It will keep for 1-2 weeks refrigerated. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer.
Conclusion
Hibiscus syrup is easy to make yourself and allows you to preserve the short hibiscus bloom season for use year-round. With its stunning color and unique tart taste, hibiscus syrup is a versatile ingredient to keep on hand. Use it to add a little something special to both sweet and savory foods and drinks. A splash of hibiscus syrup livens up lemonade, salad dressings, yogurt, ice cream, cocktails and more. So next time you come across some fresh hibiscus flowers, try your hand at making syrup. Get creative with the many ways you can use it to add a pop of color and flavor to recipes.
