This easy, cool, refreshing hibiscus spritz can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. It’s a perfect drink for entertaining in the garden or just for a relaxing evening at home. Besides, it’s pretty. Prepare the syrup and store it in the refrigerator.
There are dozens of delicious sparkling water flavors on the market today, but there is something special about making your own flavor. These Hibiscus Spritzes are made with a very simple plain hibiscus syrup that can be used in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
It’s something I love to have in my fridge to spice up my water during the week or to mix up a light and refreshing cocktail on Friday!
Hibiscus is a dried flower with a vibrant pink color and a tart, floral flavor. The sugar in the simple syrup helps sweeten the drink and balance the pungent taste of the flower. When I let my five-year-old try my (non-alcoholic) spritz, he told me it tasted kinda like tea. Indeed, but like a slightly sour, fruity herbal tea.
Dried hibiscus can be hard to find in some areas, but you can order it online without too much trouble! A pound of flowers lasts a very long time!
How to Make Easy Hibiscus Syrup
I like to use a 1:1 plain syrup for this mix, which is a bit thinner than some plain syrups. This works because the dry flowers absorb some of the liquid. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar, water, and blossoms over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved and gone from cloudy to clear. It should steam, but the syrup does not need to be boiled.
Once it’s steaming hot, remove it from the heat and let it cool and steep for 10 minutes. Pour the syrup through a sieve to strain out the buds and you have a gorgeous dark red simple syrup!
What is the best vodka for Hibiscus Spritz?
How much vodka you use and whether you top up your drink with wine or mineral water is entirely up to you.
Do not drink? Make a Hibiscus Spritz Mocktail!
Even if you don’t drink, this simple syrup is a delicious thing to have in your fridge. Just a splash of it in ice water or sparkling water is a nice treat. It will keep for a few weeks.
Bonus tip for parents: Kids LOVE this and it’s an easy treat drink. I put just a few drops of the syrup in a glass of water and my kids find it very special.
CHEEERS!
More great alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to try!
- Virgin pomegranate citrus sangria
- Earl Gray tea and tonic
- Easy Red Wine Sangria
- Strawberry Mojito
- Hemingway Daiquiri
- Pear Ginger Bush
Hibiscus Spritz
This recipe makes enough plain hibiscus syrup for eight squirts. The syrup will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks, so you can enjoy the most important part of the drink whenever you want!
ingredients
- For the simple hibiscus syrup (makes about 2 cups):
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1 cup of sugar
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1 cup of water
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1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- Hibiscus Spritz:
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1 ounce plain hibiscus syrup
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1 1/2 ounces of vodka
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5 ounces sparkling water (club soda)
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Fresh lime for garnish
method
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Make the simple syrup:
In a small saucepan, add sugar, water, and dried hibiscus flowers. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is steaming. Remove from the stove and let steep for 10 minutes. Then strain the flowers.
Store the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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Make the hibiscus spritz:
Add vodka and 1 ounce of the simple syrup into a tall glass. Stir together and add ice. Top up with sparkling water. Serve with a slice of fresh lime.
Alternative method: Reduce the vodka to 3/4 ounces and use sparkling wine instead of lemonade to complete the cocktail.
To make a mocktail: Add 1 1/2 ounces of the simple syrup to sparkling water. Serve ice cold.
