Artificial Flavors Free Fresh Hibiscus Berry Lemonade
This vibrant ruby-red drink is everything a summer lemonade should be — tart, floral, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for another glass. Dried hibiscus flowers and fresh strawberries are simmered together with maple syrup to create a deeply colored, fragrant syrup that forms the backbone of the whole drink. Bright lemon juice brings the zing, and the result is something that looks and tastes far more impressive than the effort involved. Because every ingredient here is whole and recognizable, you never have to squint at a label wondering what "natural flavoring" actually means — there are no mystery additives, no synthetic sweeteners, and no artificial color making that gorgeous hue. The deep crimson comes entirely from the hibiscus and strawberries, which is honestly more satisfying than any bottle of red dye could ever be. It's a great option for anyone who wants a festive, crowd-pleasing drink without compromising on what goes into it. Serve it over ice with a sprig of fresh mint and you've got something that looks straight off a restaurant menu.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the hibiscus syrup
- ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers (jamaica/sorrel)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
For the lemonade
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 5–6 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the dried hibiscus flowers, maple syrup, 2 cups water, and strawberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice, until the maple syrup is fully dissolved and the liquid turns a deep ruby red, about 5–7 minutes.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes, until the hibiscus flavor is fully extracted and the liquid is fragrant and deeply colored.
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