A few summers ago, I was at a vibrant rooftop party in Mexico City, and someone introduced me to the most magical drink I’d ever tasted—a hibiscus margarita. The blend of tangy lime, smooth tequila, and a hint of floral sweetness was like nothing I’d had before.
Hibiscus’s deep red color and slightly tart flavor make this margarita a treat for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes.
It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of exotic elegance to your next gathering. Trust me, this margarita will quickly become your new favorite summer sip!
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How to Make a Hibiscus Margarita
A hibiscus margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic margarita, with a vibrant floral note that makes it extra special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tequila – Use a good-quality blanco tequila for a smooth base. It complements the hibiscus beautifully. Choose your favorite brand or one you have on hand!
- Hibiscus Syrup – This is the star of the show! I use homemade hibiscus syrup made from dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water. It gives the margarita its stunning red hue and a subtle floral sweetness. You can find pre-made hibiscus syrup at specialty stores, but homemade is always best! If you choose to make it yourself, you’ll need:
- Dried Hibiscus Flowers – You can find these at health food stores or online. They give the syrup its deep red color and floral flavor.
- Water – To steep the hibiscus flowers and make the base of the syrup.
- Sugar – To sweeten the syrup. You can use white sugar, cane sugar, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the hibiscus syrup. For the best flavor, squeeze it just before using.
- Orange Liqueur – A splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec) adds depth and a hint of citrus that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
- Simple Syrup – Depending on how sweet your hibiscus syrup is, you might need a little extra simple syrup to balance the tartness. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Salt – For rimming your glass! Coarse sea salt or kosher salt works best to contrast with the sweetness of the margarita. You can also mix in a little chili powder for an extra kick. I love this Margarita Salt.
- Ice – Serve this margarita on the rocks for a chilled, refreshing experience. Fill a glass with ice, then pour in your margarita mix.
Instructions: Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into a plate of salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake well with ice, then strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or an edible flower if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
Hibiscus Margarita Variations
Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita: Muddle fresh strawberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This adds a sweet, fruity twist and a lovely pink hue to your margarita.
Hibiscus Tea Margarita: Substitute the hibiscus syrup with chilled hibiscus tea. This variation is lighter and has a more subtle floral flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit of simple syrup if needed.
Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita: Swap the blanco tequila for mezcal. This will give your margarita a smoky depth that complements the floral notes of the hibiscus syrup, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
Spicy Hibiscus Margarita: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the shaker. This spicy kick contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the hibiscus syrup and adds an exciting heat to your margarita.
Hibiscus Margarita
Ingredients
For the Hibiscus Syrup:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 2 cups water
- 1 to 1.5 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
For the Margarita:
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz homemade hibiscus syrup (or store-bought)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Coarse sea salt or kosher salt (for rimming the glass)
- Ice
- Lime wedge or edible flower (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Hibiscus Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the water is deep red and the hibiscus flowers are softened.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jar. Discard the hibiscus flowers.
- While the liquid is still warm, stir in 1 to 1.5 cups granulated sugar, depending on your sweetness preference. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer it to a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate. It will keep for a few weeks.
2. Prepare the Margarita:
- Rub the rim of a glass (margarita or highball) with a lime wedge, then dip it into a plate of coarse sea salt to coat the rim.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz homemade hibiscus syrup, 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 0.5 oz orange liqueur.
- If you like a sweeter margarita, add 0.5 oz simple syrup. Adjust to taste if needed.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or an edible flower, if desired.
Notes
Enjoy your refreshing hibiscus margarita!
Conclusion
Incorporating a hibiscus margarita into your cocktail repertoire is a fantastic way to add a splash of vibrant color and a unique floral twist to your gatherings.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with variations like the strawberry hibiscus margarita or the spicy hibiscus margarita, this drink promises to impress with its refreshing flavor and eye-catching hue.
Cheers to enjoying this delightful and versatile margarita, perfect for any occasion!
