Nightshade Free Hibiscus-Berry Lemon Cucumber Water
Staying away from nightshades doesn't mean your drinks have to be boring, and this vibrant infused water is proof. Dried hibiscus flowers are simmered into a jewel-toned concentrate, sweetened with just a touch of honey, then combined with fresh berries, lemon, and cool cucumber slices for a pitcher that looks almost too pretty to drink. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of tomatoes, peppers, and their relatives, so you can sip without second-guessing the label on a store-bought flavored water. The hibiscus brings a tart, floral depth that plays beautifully against the brightness of the lemon and the mild, refreshing cucumber. After an hour in the fridge, the water turns a deep rosy hue and smells absolutely incredible — the kind of thing you'd expect to find at a fancy spa. It works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a summer gathering where you want something special on the table. Serve it over ice with a sprig of fresh mint and watch it disappear.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the hibiscus concentrate
- ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp honey
For the pitcher
- 1 cup mixed fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a combination)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ½ english cucumber, thinly sliced
- 4 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the dried hibiscus flowers and 2 cups water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from the heat and stir in the honey until dissolved. Let steep for 10 minutes.
- 2
Pour the hibiscus concentrate through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing on the flowers to extract all the liquid. Discard the spent flowers.
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