17 Best Hibiscus Drink Recipes

A Lil' Hibiscus History

Hibiscus is a flower native to West Africa that has spread around the world via migration, trade of goods, and, darkly, the trade of African people into slavery. This explains the concentration of hibiscus fans throughout the Caribbean islands and Latin America.

This pretty plant comes in different color blooms, all of which are edible but the most popular is the hibiscus sabdariffa. Known as zobo (Nigerian origin), sobolo (Ghana), sorrel (Jamaica and the West Indies), roselle, and jamaíca (in Spanish), it has a deep reddish purple color that shows in all of these hibiscus drinks.

Hibiscus is also prominent throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Flavor-wise, hibiscus is earthy, fruity, and tart. Now, let's get into the beverages!

In African-American culture, hibiscus has inspired our affinity for red drinks, which have a special place on the traditional Juneteenth foods menu.

1. Zobo Drink (Nigerian Hibiscus Tea)

We're starting off at the hibiscus roots (see what I did there?) with Nigerian zobo drink made with hibiscus, juicy pineapple, cinnamon, and ginger.

There's no added sweetener so it is a great low sugar option and this tropical West African tea is typically enjoyed ice cold but can also be served warm.

2. Hibiscus Lemonade

And if you're wondering what can I mix with hibiscus tea, add lots of fresh squeezed lemon juice and honey, and you have hibiscus lemonade. It's sweet, tart, and refreshing--easy to make and even easier to drink!

3. Hibiscus Sweet Tea

Southern hibiscus sweet tea is a mashup of my Texan and Nigerian roots and is always a hit at parties.

Make it by the pitcher and keep it on standby during the hot summer months!

4. Hibiscus Rose Mocktail

With notes of hibiscus flowers, sweet orange, rose, and honey, this hibiscus craft mocktail is elegant and sophisticated sip--with bubbles!

5. Hibiscus Tea Latte

Hibiscus tea brewed in creamy coconut milk creates a smooth, pretty pink latte that I personally think is better than anything from Starbucks. This hibiscus latte is an herbal drink with zero caffeine!

6. Hibiscus Ginger Beer

You've probably seen hibiscus ginger beer all over the grocery stores and that's because it's SO delicious. The flavor is zesty, and fruity, and sweet.

My homemade version hits different and you'll be hooked after just one sip. And to be clear, this is a non-alcoholic drink!

7. Hibiscus Punch

Make hibiscus punch for your next gathering! This easy big batch drink takes only a few minutes to make and mixes up flavors from Nigerian zobo pineapple hibiscus drink and Jamaican sorrel with a sparkling finish.

Wondering what alcohol goes with hibiscus? Just about every kind! Cognac, gin, whiskey, tequila, vodka--you name it--I've got it covered in the drinks below.

8. Hennessy Punch

And for the grown folks, this alcoholic Hennessy punch uses DIY hibiscus syrup, cognac, and bitters for a boozy yet subtle sip. It's equally easy to mix up and SNEAKY so don't say I didn't warn you!

9. Hibiscus French 75

When you're in the mood for a pretty hibiscus cocktail, start with my hibiscus French 75. This bubbly champagne hibiscus drink uses hibiscus syrup or jam and is garnished with sparkling sugar and a candied hibiscus flower.

10. Hibiscus Gin & Tonic

Or if you want a hibiscus gin cocktail that using hibiscus tea instead of syrup, go for my ultra refreshing hibiscus gin & tonic made with elderflower tonic water.

It's a riff on a cocktail I enjoyed during a Berlin solo trip and is so easy to make at home!

11. Hibiscus Hot Toddy

For something warm and comforting AND boozy, peep the hibiscus tea hot toddy for a sore throat. I make it with Black-owned Uncle Nearest whiskey but feel free to use the brown liquor of your choice.

12. Hibiscus Margarita with Mezcal

You know I had to drop a hibiscus margarita on you! This one is made with mezcal, finished with a festive tajin rim, and served on the rocks. ¡Salud!

13. Hibiscus Martini

It truly doesn't get any smoother than my hibiscus ginger martini made with homemade spiced hibiscus syrup, ginger liqueur, lime, and gin. It's a sexy drink with a lush mouthfeel.

14. Hibiscus Mint Julep

In this hibiscus mint julep, hibiscus syrup takes the place of simple syrup or sugar cubes to transform the color and enhance the taste with floral, earthy flavor notes.

15. Hibiscus Mojito

Hibiscus syrup is also muddled with mint in the pretty red hibiscus mojito. Add rum, lime juice, and club soda over ice for an easy effervescent drink on a hot day.

16. Hibiscus Moscow Mule

You only need four ingredients over lots of ice for the hibiscus mule cocktail. Think of this hibiscus cocktail recipe with vodka as the spiked older cousin to hibiscus ginger beer.

17. Hibiscus Old Fashioned

Last but not least is the super smooth and very southern hibiscus old fashioned cocktail. It has all the strength and simplicity of a classic bourbon old fashioned with an easy twist of hibiscus simple syrup to take it over the top!

More Favorite Hibiscus Recipes

I hope you'll enjoy a few of these DIY hibiscus drink recipes soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!