I wanted to make this before the weather turns cool. In Michigan the temps go back and forth from 60s to 70s to 80s as we transition into Fall. I am a big fan of hibiscus flavored beverages and this one from Millie Peartree via New York Times Cooking sounded so good. This recipe serves a crowd and is a good non-alcholic beverage for entertaining.
This is the best homemade cold beverage especially as the pineapple flavored ice cubes melt… it gets better and better…
Love the combination of hibiscus flowers, strawberries, lime and pineapple juice – perfect!!!
Strawberry Hibiscus Limeade
- pineapple juice (I used light) for the ice cubes (I used flower and fruit shaped ice cube trays)
- 2 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves picked and stems removed
- 2 hibiscus tea bags or 1/3 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 lb. fresh hulled and trimmed strawberries
- 1/2 cup hibiscus syrup (Torani simple syrup you can buy) or make a simple syrup of 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water
- fresh strawberries, lime slices and fresh mint leaves for serving
Make the pineapple ice cubes and freeze overnight.
To a large pot, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the mint leaves to a pitcher and muddle them to release oils; add a long spoon to keep the pitcher from cracking.To the pitcher add the tea bags, boiling water and lime juice. Stir to combine, then steep for 15 minutes.
Strain and remove the dried flowers and mint leaves. You could make it easier by wrapping the hibiscus flowers and mint leaves in cheesecloth so you can remove them easily. I also put the mixture through a sieve as I didn’t want the seeds, any loose leaves or pieces of strawberries.
While the mixture steeps puree the strawberries – you should have 1 cup. Add the puree and hibiscus syrup to the pitcher, stir, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Add pineapple ice cubes to each glass and pour limeade over. Serve garnished with fresh strawberries, lime slices and mint.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I made the fruit ice cubes awhile ago and they seemed to have lost their color (except for one)…
The ingredients…
Strawberries pureed…
I removed the seeds and chunks of strawberries that did not puree thoroughly…
My pitcher was not quite big enough so just poured the extra into a glass…
This looks so tasty and refreshing. Hibiscus has such wonderful flavor and color. 🙂
I love hibiscus flowers and find the light floral flavor refreshing. The strawberries, lime and pineapple juice really make this a special beverage
It’s almost October, but we are still in the thick of summer heat here in Mississippi and this really sounds refreshing. Pineapple juice ice cubes sound like a great addition!
The pineapple juice ice cubes are a nice touch and slowly adds more flavor to the beverage giving it a more “fruity” taste. Next week it’s supposed to get to 80 for a few days – so we are not done with summer yet 🙂
I’m on the fence, becuase I’m not a hibiscus fan, but I’m a huge limeade fan!
I remember you didn’t care for hibiscus in one of my posts. This beverage is not bitter and is a delicious fruity drink – a favorite for the warm months 🙂
Judi, this looks very tasty and when we warm up in several months I’ll be giving this drink a try. I might just sneak in a shot of vodka for mine…
Thanks Ron, it was! The best beverage I’ve made using hibiscus flowers. A little sweet for me so I will cut back on the sugar next time 🙂 A nice, fruity and refreshing beverage and a shot of booze is always allowed!
Mmmm. Hibiscus. 🌿🌺
I love the fruity flavor in this drink, maybe a little too sweet for me. The strawberry, lime, pineapple and hibisicus go together beautifully – a keeper for me 🙂
How refreshing!
great idea to flavour the ice cubes!
Thanks Sherry – I usually flavor the ice cubes for many different beverages so as to enhance the flavor and not dilute it 🙂