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Hibiscus Elderflower Sparkling Tea: A Refreshing Summer Drink

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A refreshing and vibrant hibiscus elderflower sparkling tea, perfect for any occasion. Tangy hibiscus is balanced with floral elderflower and bright citrus, topped with sparkling water for a delightful fizz.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, thinly sliced
  • Sparkling water or club soda, chilled
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional garnishes: fresh mint sprigs, edible flowers (like pansies or violas)

Instructions

  1. Steep the Hibiscus: In a heatproof pitcher or large glass bowl, combine the dried hibiscus flowers and the boiling water. Make sure all the flowers are submerged.
  2. Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
  3. Steep Time: Let the hibiscus tea steep for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor (up to 30 minutes).
  4. Strain the Tea: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a clean pitcher.
  5. Cool Completely: Allow the hibiscus tea concentrate to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate.
  6. Incorporate Elderflower Cordial: Stir in the elderflower cordial into the cooled hibiscus tea concentrate. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
  7. Add Citrus Slices: Add the thinly sliced lemon and lime to the pitcher. Gently muddle the citrus slices with a spoon to release their juices.
  8. Chill Thoroughly: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Prepare Your Glasses: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  10. Add Hibiscus Concentrate: Pour the hibiscus tea concentrate into each glass, filling it about one-third to halfway full.
  11. Top with Sparkling Water: Top each glass with chilled sparkling water or club soda.
  12. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, edible flowers, or extra citrus slices.
  13. Stir Gently: Stir gently to combine.
  14. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
  • Elderflower Intensity: Adjust the amount of elderflower cordial to your liking.
  • Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits.
  • Herbal Infusions: Add other herbs to the hibiscus tea concentrate for a more complex flavor.
  • Fruity Additions: Add fresh or frozen fruit to the sparkling tea for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sparkling Wine Option: For a more festive occasion, you can substitute sparkling wine or Prosecco for the sparkling water.
  • Hibiscus Syrup: Make a hibiscus syrup by simmering the strained hibiscus tea with sugar until it thickens.
  • Iced Tea Variation: Skip the sparkling water and serve the hibiscus tea concentrate over ice for a refreshing iced tea.
  • Make it a Mocktail: This recipe is naturally alcohol-free, making it a perfect mocktail for any occasion.
  • Storage: The hibiscus tea concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Too Tart: If your hibiscus tea is too tart, add more sugar or a touch of honey to balance the flavors.
  • Not Enough Flavor: If your sparkling tea lacks flavor, try steeping the hibiscus flowers for a longer period of time or adding more elderflower cordial.
  • Fizz Gone Flat: To prevent your sparkling water from going flat, add it to the glasses just before serving and avoid over-stirring.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/hibiscus-elderflower-sparkling-tea/