Hibiscus Lemonade

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Hibiscus is a Flower widely used for adoring the God in Indian Hindu Culture. The Hibiscus flower contains many medicinal properties which is immensely used in Ayurveda and Chinese Herbology (Courtesy:Wikipedia). In Ayurveda, both white and red hibiscus flowers, the roots of this plant as well as Leaves are used for many medicines. In some parts of Karnataka mostly people living in the Westren Ghat section, use the white hibiscus flower’s petals in preparing Dosa and Idli; reason this plant is abundantly grown there and is believed to cure many Uterine problems. Even so, it is HIGHLY RECOMENDED for the pregnant ladies and herbal allergic people to consult their doctor before using any herbs.

Hibiscus Lemonade
Hibiscus Lemonade

In my new house garden, red coloured Hibiscus plants grow. Now more flowers are blooming and we use them for daily pooja. Knowing its medicinal values, I thought of preparing Hibiscus Lemonade as it is good for health. As it is the flower is tasteless. So I thought of adding Lemon to this Juice. I have already posted Lemon Juice and its concentrate. In the same way I added Hibiscus water to the Syrup and prepared it. It gives red colour to the Lemonade which attracts everyone. My daughter often asks me for the flower Juice. She loves the colour and the lemon taste in it. Always add the Lemon Juice at the end i.e., after the syrup cools completely in order to avoid bitterness. So try and enjoy this simple, healthy Hibiscus Juice in summer.

Hibiscus Lemonade
Hibiscus Lemonade

Hibiscus Lemonade Concentrate Ingredients:

  • Hibiscus Flower or Daasavaala – 20
  • Lemon Juice – 1/2 Cup (Around 10 big sized)
  • Sugar – 2 Cups
  • Water – 1 Cup for Sugar and 1/2 Cup for soaking Hibiscus Petals

Hibiscus Lemonade Ingredients:

  • Hibiscus Lemonade Concentrate – 2 Tbsp
  • Chilled Water – 1 Glass
  • Ice Cubes – 2 or 3 (Optional)

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

How to Make Hibiscus Lemonade Concentrate:

  1. Collect the Hibiscus Flowers from the plant and take out only the petals from it as shown in the image. Wash properly without any dust particles over the petals.
    Hibiscus
    Hibiscus
  2. Soak the washed Hibiscus petals in 1/2 Cup of hot water overnight or at least for 5 to 6 hours to get the thick colour out of it. As I was in hurry I didn’t soak for more time. So you can notice the Juice colour is not bright red. Strain the water before you add it to the Sugar syrup.
    Hibiscus Lemonade Preparation
    Hibiscus Lemonade Preparation
  3. Add Sugar and 1 Cup of water and boil till the Sugar dissolves completely. Once it is dissolved add filtered Hibiscus water to the vessel and boil. Switch off the flame before you get to start the single string consistency.
    Hibiscus Lemonade Preparation
    Hibiscus Lemonade Preparation
  4. Leave the Sugar-Hibiscus syrup to cool completely. At this stage the Sugar-Hibiscus Syrup is Purple in colour. Once it cools add Lemon Juice and mix. After adding Lemon Juice it turns to red in colour.
    Hibiscus Lemonade Preparation
    Hibiscus Lemonade Preparation
  5. Store it in an air tight container or in a glass bottle by refrigerating it. You can use this for one month.

Serves: 1

Preparation Time: 2 to 3 minutes

Hibiscus Lemonade
Hibiscus Lemonade

How to Make Hibiscus Lemonade:

  1. Take a glass of Chilled water, add 2 Tbsp of Hibiscus Lemonade Concentrate and stir well using a spoon or stirrer. Top it with Ice cubes if desired. Adjust the sugar level by adding more concentrate to the glass. Mix well and serve chilled.

Instant Method:

  1. If you do not want to prepare the Hibiscus Lemonade Concentrate,  just soak the 2 or 3 Hibiscus flower petals (around 10 to 15 petals in total) in a glass of hot water. Strain it after 5 minutes and allow it to cool. Add 3 tsp of Sugar and stir. Once the water cools completely add the Lemon Juice and serve with Ice Cubes.
    Hibiscus Lemonade
    Hibiscus Lemonade

Tips:

  1. Do not add Lemon Juice if the Sugar-Hibiscus Syrup is warm also. You will end up with bitter taste in the Juice. Leave at least for an hour before you add the Lemon Juice.

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