Hibiscus Simple Syrup

For this Hibiscus Simple Syrup recipe, I picked fresh Hibiscus flowers from my dad's garden. However, if you don't know anyone whose fresh hibiscus flowers you can hock, pre-dried ones from your local spice store will work well too.

What is Hibiscus Simple Syrup?

Well, it's exactly what its name implies: simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar) flavored with fresh hibiscus flowers. In fact it's so simple, it only requires 3 ingredients.

• Hibiscus petals
• Sugar
• Water

Although the recipe for this Hibiscus Simple Syrup is incredibly simple, it's also quite special because it calls for steeping the hibiscus petals in cold water for 2 hours prior to heating it with sugar. This cold brewing process gently extracts the hibiscus's flavor and keeps the deep purple color intact.

The faster option, which doesn't yield quite as delicious a result, is to place all three ingredients in a pot at once and bring it to a simmer for a few minutes. But I really don't recommend this second option unless you need a simple syrup right now. It'll look murkier and wont taste quite as floral.

What to do with Hibiscus Simple Syrup

• Infuse hot and iced teas
• Add to a refreshing Margarita
• Mix into maple syrup as an elevated, purple pancake topping

If you like making your own simple syrups, you'll also love this other delicious recipe from my site, blackberry simple syrup.

Be sure to let me know what you use this hibiscus simple syrup for! Tag me in your Instagram Photos! @OnthebiasNYC

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