Hibiscus Simple Syrup for Drinks & Desserts

This incredibly SIMPLE recipe adds flavor and vibrant color to cocktails, mocktails, or even desserts. Hibiscus Simple Syrup is a delightful addition to your crafted springtime, summertime, and holiday cocktails. Heck, this syrup is great all year round!

A splash of this hibiscus syrup into a champagne flute produces a gorgeous, festive spritzer with a delicious flavor that matches your favorite prosecco or champagne. Just look how pretty…

Add it to some pineapple juice and get an amazing purple color, perfect for any Springtime gathering. The syrup adds floral, earthy sweetness with a bit of tart. Create a swoon-worthy cocktail like my vodka hibiscus cocktail or my holiday prosecco cocktail.

Ingredients for Hibiscus Simple Syrup

A simple syrup is just that—simple. It consists of dried hibiscus flowers, which can be found on Amazon, steeped in hot water and sugar. Three ingredients, that’s it.

• Dried hibiscus flowers
• Sugar
• Water

See the recipe card for quantities.

Hibiscus Simple Syrup Instructions

Start by placing sugar, cold water, and dried hibiscus flowers into a high-sided pot and bring to a boil on medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.

Next, remove the pan from heat completely and let it cool for about 20 minutes. If you want the syrup to be more tart, let it sit for one hour. The longer it steeps, the more tartness it will produce.

Lastly, once cooled, place a bowl in the sink, fit with a wire mesh strainer, and strain the syrup from the liquid into the bowl.

Tip: Most importantly, don’t forget the bowl under the strainer. I’ve watched that beautiful hibiscus simple syrup go right down the drain. Be sure to put the bowl and strainer in the sink when pouring; it may splatter or spill. I know firsthand about spills and splatters.

Now, the fun part. Pour the syrup into a cute bottle with a funnel and store it, or use it immediately. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Isn’t that what we tell ourselves when the mood strikes?

Substitutions

There are many substitutions for the dried hibiscus flower. Use this simple syrup recipe to make any flavor of simple syrup your heart desires. Although, you’re not going to get this ruby-red color from any of the substitutions listed below.

• Cinnamon Sticks – The perfect addition to your fall cocktail. Try my Cinnamon Bourbon Cocktail Use 3-4 cinnamon sticks.
• Lemon Zest – Add a citrus kick to your next cocktail. Use peels or slices from any fruit to add a fruity flavor to your syrup. Try my Limoncello Spritz or my Elderflower Collins.
• Vanilla Beans– Pour into your lattes, oooh, so good. Use one large vanilla bean and cut in half. Try my Snowy temptation.
• Jalapeno Pepper – A jalapeno pepper will heat up the syrup in your spicy margarita. Slice up one large pepper and throw it in the pot.
• Mint leaves – Your mojito is screaming for this simple syrup. Fresh mint or dried mint leaves both work. Just muddle the mint a bit before you mix it with the water and sugar.
• Fresh Thyme – Add a little sweet herby flavor to your Summer Bourbon Cocktail.
• Fresh Cranberries – Add 1 cup to the mixture for a festive seasonal syrup. Try my Holiday Moscow Mule.
• Fresh Sage – Tear up a few sage leaves into the mixture to create an earthy sweetness. Try it in my Blackberry Spritz.

Hibiscus Simple Syrup Variations

Create different depths of flavor to the syrup.

• Earthy – Add a bay leaf to the pot while steeping.
• Citrus – Add lemon or orange grinds.

Storage

The simple syrup should be stored in a clean bottle or airtight container. It can last up to one month in the fridge, and a little bottle will go a long way.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Hibiscus Simple Syrup

A floral, tart, simple syrup that crafts beautiful and delicious cocktails for those special gatherings.

Prep 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Steeping Syrup20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 1 small bottle/container

Author: Lorraine Saeger

Equipment

• 1 Hide-sided pot
• 1 Strainer (colinder)
• 1 Funnel optional

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a pot over medium heat.
• Stir constantly until all the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil then turn the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, uncovered.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes, uncovered.
• Strain the syrup into a bowl with a wire strainer.
• Store in an airtight container or funnel into a clean jar with a lid. The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up 3 weeks.