Hibiscus soda
Next on tap for the non-alky spot in the warehouse’s kegerator? Hibiscus soda!
I love root beer, but the ingredients are expensive, and I’m still on the fence about adding caramel color to make it more appealing to the masses. So what other sodas can be kegged? Numerous ones – though I’m not a straight-up cola fan, and am generally not into fruit sodas either. However, our other brewer on the premises suggested a hibiscus soda – not unlike a common Mexican summer drink, oaxaca or sweet waters – made with jamaica (hibiscus), lime, cucumber, strawberries, or other summery ingredients. After checking out several recipes, I opted for the simplest: dried hibiscus blossoms, sugar and water. The test batch, completed Tuesday night came out with great color and flavor – even working with a recipe that listed “sugar: amount to taste”. I already liked hibiscus in herbal tea – this just brings it to an evening drink with the carbonation. It also competes with the trendy pomegranate drinks, since hibiscus is also high in Vitamin C.
The keg is carbonating for several days with 4 gallons of water – on Monday, I’ll make up what is essentially the hibiscus soda syrup in one gallon of water to be added to the keg and carbonated for an additional 3-4 days. That makes it ready to go for 4th of July weekend – and the following weekend’s art show. Here’s the basic recipe in case you feel like trying it – the non-keg, quick’n'dirty way to 
carbonate is to make it with half the water and top up with club soda:
Hibiscus Soda
2 quarts water
1 cup dried hibiscus blossoms (at groceries stores in the West, or in Mexican markets)
1/2 cup sugar
Boil the hibiscus blossoms in the water for ~4 minutes. Let steep another 10-15 minutes and strain. Add the sugar and mix thoroughly. Carbonate and pour over ice. Makes 2 quarts (duh).
9 comments Saturday 27 Jun 2009 | m. | Announcements, Brewing, Crafty, Recipes
“I’m not a straight-up cola fan, and am generally not into fruit sodas either.”
Translation: My name is m. and I don’t like anything that’s good.
This sounds fab! I never thought of doing a hibiscus syrup. Ginger for sure.
I would assume it resembles Vess Cream Soda.
But is sooo much tastier!
Thanks, Barb! I think it tastes pretty floral – but I’ll get feedback at our next art show.
We love drinking hibiscus tea over here on Okinawa, where hibiscus flowers are everywhere.
I found you recipe after doing a google search for “hibiscus soda” which I want to try to make.
Do you know if anyone bottles this?
Wow, glad you found the site! Yes, some companies bottle hibiscus sodas – I usually find them in Mexican markets or in regular grocery stores in southern Texas. Not sure that helps for Okinawa – but dried hibiscus is lightweight, so having some shipped and then making your own might be a good option. Good luck!
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
My mom bought me the Detroit Red Wings Reebok Premier Home Jersey for my birthday thanks mom!
just checked out xmarks it’s awesome! Having been using chrome synced bookmarks for a while now and xmarks does the same job but in more depth! cheers!
Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.