Honey Sweetened Hibiscus Punch

Do your kids enjoy fruit punch but you cringe at the additives and food coloring agents?  This Hibiscus Punch is simple enough to make with under 10 minutes from start to finish (not counting the brewing time).

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Hibiscus Love

Originally from Angolla, hibiscus is now cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the Earth like Mexico, Sudan and Egypt.  Traditionally, it has been used to support normal blood pressure and is healthy for overall cardiovascular health.  And because of the high vitamin C content, hibiscus helps with recovery from colds and flus.

But you know what else hibiscus is good for?  Disguising itself as a junky, corn-syrup-laden counterpart “Fruit Punch.”  For the most part, all I have to do is give my kids “the look” and they get the message that [insert junk food/drink here] is not the best option but with this drink, I don’t even have to say anything.

They naturally ask for it.  And they love it.

Even if its’ nemesis is standing right next to it. Sure, I admit the vibrant color is appealing to kids but this is such a refreshing drink that even if it was a dud green color, I think my kids will still be drawn to it.  Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration.

But back to the color.  I’ve come across homemade makeup recipes calling for hibiscus as a coloring agent and I can totally see how the beautiful ruby hue would be a great alternative to substandard dies.

When you finely grind hibiscus, it creates this gorgeously rich magenta powder much like this shade of hibiscus punch.

Related: Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm

Helpful Tip

I like to steep hibiscus overnight with a quart of boiling water for a robust flavor, but at the very least aim for two hours.  That way you are getting a strong infusion and extracting all the vitamins and minerals from this flower.

Then, I strain the flowers through a fine sieve and additional filtered water straight into a large jar over the hibiscus flowers to wash as much of the hibiscus as you can.

My Picks & Helpful Tools

Organic Hibiscus Flowers – I buy these in 1lb packages since it goes fast.
Raw Honey – be sure to not heat this for maximum nutrition.
Quart Jar – Steep hibiscus using quart size jar.  It’s easier to work with and quart is really enough to create a powerful infusion.
Pint Jar – I use this size to dissolve the honey with warm water.
Fine Mesh Sieve – Pour the steeped hibiscus through the sieve using a funnel directly into your large jar.
Half Gallon Jar – Combine everything in this size jar.  Great for storage.

So, what do you think?  Can this drink win over your kids like it did mine?

Real Food Punch - made with Hibiscus

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 2 quarts

“Fruit Punch” Drink with Hibiscus Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 10 mins Serves: 2 qt

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus (my pick)
• 7 cups filtered water , separated
• 1/2 cup raw honey (my pick)
• juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Steep hibiscus in 1 quart boiling water for 2-4 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Dissolve the honey in 1 cup of warm water in your pitcher. Note: do not use hot water for the honey as the temperature will kill all the beneficial enzymes.
3. Strain the hibiscus tea into a pitcher or 1/2 gallon mason jar using a fine mesh sieve. Add remaining 2 cups of filtered water.
4. Add lemon juice and give it a quick stir.
5. Enjoy immediately on ice or refrigerate for up to a week.