This all-natural Hibiscus cocktail is the ideal spring and summer sipping cocktail or mocktail! Using tangy, lemony, floral hibiscus syrup; refreshing mint, zesty lime, and boozy kick of rum, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the tropics!
Mojitos are one of my favorite warm weather drinks with all of that delicious mint and fizz, then and add to it the bright notes of Hibiscus Simple Syrup and you have one beautiful classic cocktail, perfect for summer gatherings! Or keep it a hibiscus mocktail — just as delish!
I love everything hibiscus, the colors, the flavor (slightly sweet, a little tart, lots of yum), and the fact that it’s good for you! So what are you waiting for? Whether you are making a hibiscus mocktail or cocktail, this is one next level drink!
If you enjoy this drink, you might also like this refreshing Watermelon Mojito, flavorful Hibiscus Margarita, or the bright and tangy Passion Tea Lemonade which can be made with dried hibiscus petals or hibiscus tea bags found at the grocery store.
Simple Ingredients for Hibiscus Cocktail
- Fresh mint leaves: essential for a classic mojito
- Agave syrup can be substituted with simple syrup, maple syrup, honey syrup or sugar if desired.
- Fresh lime juice: Brings just the right amount of tart limeness!
- Hibiscus Simple Syrup: Make your own, it’s easy and so versatile. Ingredients you’ll need: Water, Sugar, Hibiscus flowers (also called hibiscus petals)
- Rum: Use light, also called white rum or dark rum (I used dark), you could also try coconut rum, yum! Leave alcohol out for a mocktail
- Club Soda: Just enough to give it a little splash of bubbles, you may also use soda water or sparkling water if you prefer, add to taste.
- Crushed or cubed ice, lime rounds and mint sprig.
Make hibiscus simple syrup
Whip up a batch of my homemade version of hibiscus simple syrup, so much better than store-bought. In a small sauce pan, add 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar (I use all-natural cane sugar) and dried hibiscus flowers, bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Stirring occasionally, reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened (it will continue to thicken as it cools). Pour through a sieve to strain out flowers, ta-da! Beautiful, hot pink hibiscus syrup with a fantastic floral flavor. Be sure to head to the original recipe for hibiscus simple syrup. Tuck it in the back of your refrigerator for 7-10 days (though mine has lasted much longer).
What is hibiscus, and is it safe to eat?
Hibiscus refers to a group of flowering plants known for their large, colorful blooms. When people talk about edible hibiscus, they’re usually referring to the Hibiscus sabdariffa variety, also known as roselle. The calyx (the part that surrounds the flower bud) is the edible portion, that is a dried flower and used in teas, jams, sauces, and even baked goods.
It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and a deep red color, often used in hibiscus tea, in Mexico agua de Jamaica, or to color and flavor drinks and desserts naturally. Besides tasting great, hibiscus is also known for its vitamin C content and antioxidants. Hibiscus is not considered safe in pregnancy, so consult your physician if you are pregnant.
How to make a flavored mojito
Let’s get mixin’! Get out a nice tall highball glass, you’ll fill most of it up with ice and club soda, so don’t worry!
Place your mint along with a teaspoon of agave syrup (or more if a sweeter drink is desired) or an equal amount of sugar in the bottom of the glass and muddle it gently; now, you don’t want to release the bitter part of the mint.
Keeping the mint at the bottom of the glass, pour in rum (use a jigger if preferred) and lime juice, gently stir with a muddler.
No Muddler? Simply use the handle of a heavy wooden spoon. Do you have one of these mini measuring cups! My fave!
Pour in Hibiscus Simple Syrup and give it a gentle stir.
Fill your glass with ice — I prefer crushed, it’s up to you!
Using a cocktail stirring spoon, stir to mix the liquids in the glass around a bit. Or place everything in a cocktail shaker and shake, shake, shake!
Pour in your club soda, I love these all-natural Qdrinks Club Soda! They are so delicious, fresh, ultra-carbonated, and perfect cocktail size!
Give it a gentle stir, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, lime slice and maybe even a piece of hibiscus flower.
How to make a Hibiscus Mocktail recipe
Simple do not add the rum or any other alcohol. Instead increase the club soda, sparkling water or your favorite soda water. That’s it! You can also try ginger beer, lemonade, a splash of lemon juice or orange juice.
This simple mojito recipe is perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Ladies’ Luncheons, Tea Parties, Garden Parties, BBQs, and more! A healthy, simple minty floral drink!
Recipes to enjoy along with your Mojito
- Coconut Lime Chicken
- Easy Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowls
- Nana & Papa’s Famous Flank Steak Marinade
- Barbacoa Street Tacos
Variations & Substitutions for Hibiscus Drinks
- Try tequila, vodka or gin, though, it won’t be a mojito, but still delicious!
- When making the simple syrup, add a little nub of fresh ginger, whole cloves, and other spices, like a cinnamon stick, allspice and others.
- Add lemon juice, pineapple juice, mango for a fun fruity twist.
- Add salt or tajin to the rim of the glass if desired, but I like mine plain.
- Muddle some fresh strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries with the muddled mint.
That’s it, go put your feet up and sip this lovely, bright, flowery and tangy refreshing drink. Perfect for a GNO at your house, sipping by the pool, lounging in a hammock, you name it, it’ll transport you to the Caribbean in no time. Not just for girls either; guys, my husband loved this cocktail, it’s not overly sweet whatsoever.
Try these other drinks and cocktails!
- Mint Julep
- Maple Whiskey Sour
- Grapefruit Basil Vodka Smash
- Blackberry Bourbon Moscow Mule or the B²M²
- Simple Margarita
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Ingredients
- 5 – 10 fresh mint leaves washed, stems removed
- 1 – 2 teaspoons agave syrup or sub. with natural sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh (about 1 small lime)
- 1.5 – 2 ounces Hibiscus Simple Syrup See notes for recipe
- 1-2 ounces rum light or dark (I used dark)
- 5-6 ounces Club Soda
- ice cubed or crushed
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish optional
Instructions
- Gently muddle your mint in the bottom of a tall glass (such as a mojito glass, highball). Carefully use a gentle twisting motion with the muddler*.5 – 10 fresh mint leaves
- Pour in agave or sugar and gently muddle into mint. Add lime juice, rum and hibiscus syrup. Stir gently to combine. Fill the glass with ice; crushed or cubed (I prefer crushed)1 – 2 teaspoons agave syrup, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1.5 – 2 ounces Hibiscus Simple Syrup, 1-2 ounces rum, ice
- Slowly pour in club soda to fill up glass and gently stir to mix. Serve with a garnish of lime and mint, if desired.5-6 ounces Club Soda, Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Notes
Nutrition
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