Tart hibiscus, lemon and mint brightened with sparkling water for a cooling, plant-based thirst-quencher.
# Ingredient List:
→ Hibiscus & Mint Base
01 - 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers or 2 hibiscus tea bags
02 - 10 fresh mint leaves, plus additional sprigs for garnish
03 - 1/3 cup honey or agave syrup, adjusted to taste
04 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
05 - 2 cups cold water
→ Sparkling Finish
06 - 2 cups chilled sparkling water
07 - Lemon slices, for garnish
08 - Ice cubes, as needed
# Steps:
01 - In a small pitcher or heatproof bowl, combine the dried hibiscus (or tea bags) and mint leaves with 2 cups cold water. Gently muddle the mint to release oils, then let steep for 10 minutes at room temperature; refrigerate up to 30 minutes for a more concentrated infusion.
02 - Strain the hibiscus-mint liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a larger pitcher, pressing on solids to extract flavor and discarding the solids.
03 - Add the honey or agave syrup and the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the strained liquid. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved and taste; adjust sweetness as needed.
04 - Fill each serving glass with ice cubes. Pour the hibiscus-mint concentrate into each glass until it reaches about halfway.
05 - Carefully top each glass with chilled sparkling water and stir gently to combine without flattening the bubbles.
06 - Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately while chilled and effervescent.