Hibiscus Simple Syrup

This hibiscus simple syrup uses dried hibiscus flowers for an easy and delicious sweetener. It’s perfect for lemonade, herbal tea, and cocktails!

One of my favorite ways to use flowers in the kitchen is to turn them into a simple syrup.

I do it with fresh flowers, like in this honeysuckle simple syrup, and also with dried flowers, like in this lavender simple syrup.

Floral simple syrups are the perfect way to take an already delicious drink and make it a little extra-special.

This hibiscus simple syrup is a delicious way to add a sweet and tart floral flavor to your favorite drink.

Want more simple syrup ideas? Try making pumpkin spice simple syrup, basil simple syrup, mint simple syrup, citronella simple syrup and ginger simple syrup.

Where to Find Hibiscus

You can (sometimes) find dried hibiscus (or jamaica flowers) in the grocery store.

For me, it's easier to buy dried hibiscus flowers online.

Always make sure that you're buying food-grade (preferably organic) flowers. Some dried flowers are meant for non-food uses (like potpourri) and may have been grown with harmful pesticides.

Want more flowers in your food? Try making honeysuckle vodka, nasturtium salad, stuffed squash blossoms, chive blossom vinegar and chive blossom butter.

How to Make Hibiscus Simple Syrup

First, add one cup of water and one cup of sugar to a small saucepan.

Bring the water to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Next, turn off the heat.

Add the hibiscus flowers, cover the pot, and let the flowers steep for about ten minutes.

The syrup will turn a deep cranberry red.

Strain the flowers out of the syrup.

I usually strain syrups through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup.

How to Use Hibiscus Simple Syrup

This syrup has so much potential.

I love hibiscus in lemonade. Try making this strawberry lemonade and swapping this hibiscus syrup for the lavender syrup the recipe calls for.

Use it to sweeten herbal tea, such as mint tea, cranberry tea, cranberry hibiscus tea or blueberry tea.

Or if you love making fermented drinks at home, use it to sweeten water kefir, kombucha or hard kombucha.