This ruby‑red drink is made from dried hibiscus flowers. The flowers are full of antioxidants that can help support healthy blood pressure.
We steep the hibiscus with orange peel, star anise, and a cinnamon stick. After chilling, we add sparkling water for a fizzy finish. The result is a colorful, alcohol‑free beverage that fits well into a "dry" month or any time you want a tasty sip.
No sugar is added – monk fruit powder gives the perfect sweet touch while keeping calories at zero. It’s great for calming sweet cravings after holiday meals.
Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes plus cooling
Dried Hibiscus Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 tablespoon monk fruit powder
- 2 thin strips orange peel (use a vegetable peeler)
- 1 star anise pod
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- Crushed ice
- 2 cups (473 ml) plain or orange sparkling water
- Orange slices for garnish
Directions
- Boil 6 cups of water. Add hibiscus and monk fruit powder, then remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Place orange peel, star anise, and cinnamon stick in a clean jar. Strain the hibiscus liquid and pour it over the spices.
- Cool the mixture completely, then cover and refrigerate. It can stay for up to 10 days. For a light taste, chill 2–4 hours; for stronger spice notes, leave overnight.
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Add 1 cup of the chilled hibiscus brew, then top with about ¼ cup sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice and serve right away.
Serves: 8 | Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 0; Total Fat: 0 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 0 mg; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Sugar: 0 g; Protein: 0 g