This Spiced Hibiscus Drink is vibrant, aromatic, and deeply refreshing. Made with dried hibiscus petals (karkadé), whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks, it delivers a perfect balance of tart, warm spice, and gentle sweetness. Enjoy it hot for cozy evenings or iced for a cooling, ruby-red refresher—exactly like the ingredients shown.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups dried hibiscus petals
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 cups water
Sweetener (Optional)
- ½–¾ cup sugar, honey, or agave (to taste)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
- Thin slices of fresh ginger
- Orange peel (a few strips)
- A pinch of vanilla or star anise (1 pod)
How to Make (Stovetop)
- Rinse the hibiscus
Quickly rinse the dried hibiscus under cold water to remove any dust. - Simmer the spices
In a large pot, add water, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes to extract the warm spice notes. - Add hibiscus
Stir in the hibiscus petals. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. The liquid will turn a deep ruby color. - Sweeten & finish
Remove from heat. Add sweetener to taste and optional lemon/lime juice. Stir well. - Strain
Strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher or teapot.
To Serve
Hot
- Serve immediately in mugs.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of citrus.
Iced
- Let cool, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
- Serve over ice with a lemon or lime wheel.
Flavor Variations
- Ginger-spice: Add 1–2 inches fresh ginger during the spice simmer.
- Citrus-forward: Add orange peel while simmering; finish with lime juice.
- Lightly sweet: Sweeten with honey or agave for floral notes.
- Sparkling: Top chilled drink with sparkling water for a fizzy refresher.
- Winter blend: Add a star anise pod and a pinch of nutmeg.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Keep the simmer gentle—boiling too hard can add bitterness.
- Taste before sweetening; hibiscus varies in tartness.
- Whole spices give cleaner flavor than ground.
- Chill fully before icing to keep color bright.
Storage
- Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Flavor intensifies slightly over time—adjust sweetness if needed.
Why You’ll Love It
- Naturally caffeine-free
- Stunning color and aroma
- Customizable hot or cold
- Simple ingredients with big flavor
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Hibiscus Drink with Cloves & Cinnamon is a timeless, comforting beverage that works year-round. Whether served steaming on a cool night or poured over ice on a warm day, it’s fragrant, refreshing, and irresistibly beautiful. 🌺🍹✨