You only need a few ingredients to make the best hibiscus martini and just about five minutes! This hibiscus tea cocktail is balanced and smooth and and easy twist on the flavored martini.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my raspberry martini with Chambord!
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❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Fruity and Floral Flavor - Hibiscus is earthy, floral, and a slightly fruity and all those flavors come through in this drink, complemented by notes of ginger, lime, and a gin botanical blend.
Quick & Easy - No special techniques required. You can make this beauty for happy hour at home in just a few minutes.
Pretty in Purple - Homemade hibiscus syrup and indigo gin create a uniquely colored and gorgeous purple cocktail that's perfect for themed parties.
We love hibiscus cocktail recipes around here--from my hibiscus gin & tonic with elderflower to my bubbly hibiscus French 75. And the hibiscus hot toddy is simply top notch!
Here are all my best hibiscus drink recipes including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
Gin - I make this hibiscus flower martini with Empress 198 Gin for the pretty purple color but you can use the gin of your choosing--just note that the color will not be as intense.
Hibiscus Simple Syrup for the signature color and flavor that is reminiscent of Jamaican sorrel. Use my homemade version for the results or grab a ready-made hibiscus syrup or even hibiscus jam for similar flavor.
Ginger Liqueur adds warmth and zing to this hibiscus cocktail recipe shouldn't be skipped.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Gin or Vodka - I prefer my hibiscus martini with gin but you can definitely make a great hibiscus-tini with vodka, too!
Citrus - Use lime, lemon, orange or even grapefruit for a sour note to balance out the cocktail's sweetness. Lemon is great for a hibiscus lemon drop martini vibe and I always recommend fresh citrus juice, if possible.
Liqueur - Ginger liqueur is great here but if you don't have it, violet liqueur, blackcurrant liqueur, and orange liqueur also taste great.
Non-Alcoholic - For a zero proof hibiscus syrup martini, use your favorite dry spirit replacement instead of gin and ginger syrup in place of the ginger liqueur.
For more fun and flavor without the alcohol, check out my rose hibiscus mocktail or hibiscus ginger beer!
How to Make a Hibiscus Syrup Gin Cocktail
Step 1: Place a coupe glass or French martini glass into your fridge or freezer to chill.
Step 2: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker over ice and shake vigorously.
Pro Tip #1: If you don't have a jigger to measure the liquid ingredients, a standard size shot glass is a great substitute because it measures roughly the same as the large end of a jigger!
Step 3: Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass.
Step 4: Garnish with candied hibiscus flowers and a lime wheel for extra razzle dazzle (optional).
Pro Tip #2: Fold the lime wheel is half to make it easier to thread on a cocktail pick.
Hibiscus goes with just about any kind of liquor--peep my hibiscus old fashioned with bourbon hibiscus vodka mule or hibiscus margarita with mezcal next!
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to gin and vodka; rum, tequila, and even whiskey pair beautifully with hibiscus tea.
Yes, just mix up your drink then store in the fridge or freezer. When ready to sip, give it a good shake or stir, add the garnishes then serve.
To large batch up to four servings, combine 1 ¼ cup gin (or vodka), four ounces hibiscus syrup, three ounces lime juice, and two ounces ginger liqueur over ice and stir. Need more? Just adjust the servings in my recipe card below, as needed!
To make hibiscus drop shots, divide the liquid for one martini between three shot glasses.
More Favorite Flavored Martini Recipes
I hope you and your loved friends will enjoy a round of easy hibiscus martinis soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this hibiscus gin martini recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
The Best Hibiscus Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- ice
- 1 ½ ounce gin or vodka
- 1 ounce hibiscus syrup
- ¾ ounce lime juice from about one lime
- ½ ounce ginger liqueur
- 2 hibiscus in syrup optional garnish
- lime wheel optional garnish
Instructions
- Place coupe glass in refrigerator or freezer to chill.
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice then add gin, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and ginger liqueur.
- Close cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until mixed and chilled to touch (about eight seconds).
- Strain cocktail into chilled glass. Garnish with hibiscus flowers in syrup and lime wheel, if desired. Serve cold and enjoy responsibly!
Notes
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Add 1 ½ cup water, 1 ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup dried hibiscus, 2 inches fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves to a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Stir until brown sugar dissolves then bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes then turn off heat and allow syrup to cool before straining out solid ingredients. Makes about 24 servings.
Jen says
I really enjoyed this twist on the classic martini. The hibiscus syrup added rich flavor! I can’t wait to make it again.