Gourmet Meal

Rebecca Thompson

Dedicated woman chef with a passion for creating unforgettable main dishes. Innovative and skilled in crafting diverse flavors that leave a lasting impression.

Hibiscus Orange Mocktail

Name: Hibiscus Orange Mocktail
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 3 cups water; 1/3 cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 4 cups sparkling water; 1/3 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup hibiscus flowers; 8 slices orange; 1 cup mango; 1 tablespoon orange zest

The Hibiscus Orange Mocktail is just what you need to refresh yourself on a sunny day. This delightful beverage hails from various cultures worldwide, with hibiscus being a popular ingredient in many traditional teas. The drink is bright, zesty, fruity, and perfectly sweet, somewhat like a virgin sangria, making it a fantastic non-alcoholic choice for summer parties, family gatherings, or just a casual afternoon sip.

Requiring just a handful of simple ingredients, the mocktail is naturally sweetened and highlighted by the tangy citrus accents of orange and lime. The key ingredient, hibiscus, imparts a unique floral note. The mocktail also incorporates ripe mango for an added tropical touch. The result is an exotic blend of flavors guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

Calories
51
Time
45
Portions
8
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

Water 3 cups
Orange Juice 1/3 cup
Lime Juice 1 tablespoon
Sparkling Water 4 cups
Maple Syrup 1/3 cup

Others

Hibiscus Flowers 1/2 cup
Orange 8 slices
Mango 1 cup
Orange Zest 1 tablespoon

Preparation

Prepare the Hibiscus Tea

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the dried hibiscus, cover, and turn off the heat. Allow it to steep for at least 15 minutes.

Blend the Ingredients

In the meantime, add 1 cup of water, cubed mango, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, and maple syrup into a high-speed blender. Blend the mixture on high until it achieves a smooth consistency.
Once the hibiscus tea is brewed, strain it and pour it into the blender. Give it one more pulse to fully combine everything. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

Serve the Mocktail

To serve, pour 1/2 cup of the juice concentrate into a glass over ice and top it up with 1/3-1/2 cup sparkling water. Adjust the amount of sparkling water according to your preference.
Embellish with an optional orange slice. The juice concentrate can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Otherwise, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze for longer-term storage.

Suggestions

Addition of Fruits

For a burst of extra flavor, feel free to introduce more fruits to this recipe. Berries would be a great addition. Not only would they enhance the taste, but they would also add color and visual appeal.

Sweetness Level

The sweetness of this mocktail can be easily adjusted according to personal preference. Thus, it's important to taste and adjust the sweetness before serving.

Storage

To retain the freshness of the mocktail, make sure to store any remaining juice concentrate appropriately. Whether you keep it in the fridge for a week or freeze it for a longer duration, you can always have a ready-to-consume mocktail at your convenience.

Frequent Questions

Can I replace the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with other natural sweeteners of your choice, such as agave nectar or honey. These alternatives will alter the flavor slightly, but the drink will remain delicious.

Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of dried ones?

While dried hibiscus flowers are usually used in teas or this mocktail due to their concentrated flavor, fresh ones can also be used. Depending on the variety, fresh flowers can offer a lighter, more delicate flavor. Do keep in mind that the color of the drink may vary with fresh flowers.

Can this mocktail be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! The juice blend can be made up to a week ahead. Simply store it in the refrigerator and then mix it with sparkling water when you're ready to serve. If you wish to store it for longer, the blend can be frozen in an ice cube tray for easy use later.

What other ingredients can be added to this mocktail for additional flavor?

This recipe is highly versatile! You can experiment with different fruits or even herbs like mint or basil for a fun twist. You could also add a shot of ginger juice for a kick, or a splash of coconut water for a tropical touch.

Can I turn this mocktail into a cocktail?

Absolutely! If you're hosting a party, you can always set up a self-serve bar with the mocktail base and a selection of liquors. Guests can decide whether they prefer the non-alcoholic version or add a splash of rum, gin, or vodka for a spirited twist.