Whether you’re continuing on with “dry January” or just not a drinker, this Sparkling Hibiscus Mocktail will knock your socks off with it’s aesthetic appeal and flavors! Think of it as a “hibiscus spritz!” This appealing fun drink is made with herbal hibiscus tea as well other natural ingredients, it can even be made for the kiddos on this upcoming Valentine’s day. It’s a great alternative to soda pop and you know exactly what’s in it. During the holidays, it’s a great mocktail recipe as well with it’s natural red color.
Why Hibiscus tea for a Mocktail?
Firstly, black or herbal teas make great alternatives to alcohol because of their flavors, health benefits and aesthetic appeal in a non-alcoholic drink.
In regards to hibiscus specifically, that COLOR! The gorgeous natural color of hibiscus is so appealing in a drink and makes it feel so festive. Those drinking a mocktail will feel like they have a crafted drink just like those with a cocktail. Not only is the color appetizing, but the fruity and tart flavor of hibiscus is lovely.
Hibiscus flowers also have many great benefits. It’s great for the cardiovascular system, skin, bones, loaded with vitamin C and an antioxidant. That’s a lot more than Red no. 3 can say for itself. ☺️ Check out this article from WebMD, “Hibiscus Tea: Is It Good for You?”
Hibiscus Mocktail Ingredients
- Hibiscus Tea– You can make herbal hibiscus tea with loose tea or store-bought tea bags. If I know I’m be making this, I make at least 16 oz. of it using 2 hibiscus tea bags and steep the tea 10 minutes for the richest flavor and color. Then I let the tea get to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator.
- Grenadine– aka pomegranate simple syrup. Homemade grenadine adds natural sweetness, unlike store-bought grenadine which has nothing natural in it. If you do not want any sugar or sweetener in this mocktail than you may of course skip it. An alternative sweetener would also be maple syrup, agave nectar syrup or plain simple syrup, but of course the flavor will be different.
- Sparkling water– I love using sparkling water to add subtle flavor without extra sweetener. My absolute favorite for this particular drink is La Croix Limoncello seltzer water as see pictured above.
- Lemon juice– You may use a fresh lemon or bottled lemon juice. Lime juice is a great alternative as well.
- Ice Cubes– In this drink I think crushes ice is really nice because it compliments the delicacy of a hibiscus flower, but any old ice cube will do as well.
Optional Mocktail Garnishes
- Lemon– wedges, slices or twists
- Strawberries– Hulled, sliced in half lengthwise and cut into hearts. Check out the Video Here ☝️
- Cherries– Use quality real cocktail cherries, not maraschino…ick. (Just a suggestion 😉) Costco sometimes carries Amarena Fabbri Wild Cherries that are amazing and a lot less expensive than the craft cocktail cherries that distilleries or liquor stores carry (but those are great as well of course!).
Sparkling Hibiscus Mocktail (Non-alcoholic Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Hibiscus Herbal Tea Pre-made & chilled or room temperature
- .5 oz. grenadine
- 2 oz. lemon sparkling water
- splash lemon juice
Instructions
- Fill your mocktail glass (rocks glass, coupe glass or such) about half full with ice (I prefer crushed ice for this)
- Add 3 oz. of hibiscus tea to your glass
- Then add 2 oz. of lemon seltzer water (My favorite for this is La Croix Limoncello)
- Add 1/2 oz. of grenadine and a splash of lemon juice
- Use a stir stick, straw or skinny spoon to give it good stir since the grenadine will drop to the bottom initially.
- Add your mocktail garnishes if you so choose to and serve! Or enjoy yourself!
Notes
- 16 oz. pre-made Hibiscus tea
- 1- 12 oz. can Lemon Seltzer
- 3 oz. grenadine
- About 3 tsp. lemon juice
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