What a refreshing and fruity beverage. It's loaded with layers of hibiscus flavor and the sweet fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a refreshing element to this drink.
Watch me an Orange Hibiscus Cooler here
What type of oranges should I use?
I used my favorite, Cara Cara oranges to make this. If you haven't tried these orange and you happen to see them while you're out, give them a try. I find they're much sweeter than some of the more common varieties you may find. They're seasonal and usually in abundance around the months January-April. Of course, if you can't find them, the navel orange would be a close second.
How can I sweeten this drink?
I purchased this hibiscus sugar from a local merchant here in Atlanta called Beautiful Briny Sea. It's absolutely amazing, I highly recommend it and I picked it up online. There are a variety of other ways you can sweeten this however; agave sweetener would be a great addition, cane sugar, or any light sweetener should do the trick.
A little more about dried hibiscus
The wonderful thing about using dried hibiscus leaves for drinking is that your water doesn't need to be boiling hot in order to infuse all of that delcious flavor. I have found that hibiscus is highly potent and letting the flours steep for about 5 minutes is enough to impart some great flavor. I have seen that it is beneficial to rinse dried hibiscus before use to rid the flowers of any residue but I haven't actually done this myself. Either way, any time I make this cooler it's always so delightful.
ANOTHER REFRESHING BEVERAGE!!!
PrintOrange Hibiscus Cooler
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
Description
A refreshing hibiscus cooler packed full of fruity flavors.
Ingredients
5 cups water, hot
⅓ cup dried hibiscus flower
2-4 oranges, juiced (1 cup)
½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bloom dried hibiscus in hot water for 5 minutes, strain. Juice oranges and add to hibiscus water. Add sugar, stir until sugar is dissolved. Chill or enjoy warm.
Notes
I also used 6 tablespoons hibiscus sugar, if this is difficult to source, add a little extra sugar according to preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Sharon says
Simply delicious. Yummy ?
Handy Chef says
Thank you!