Hot and Sweet: Apple Cider with Hibiscus Flower Syrup

In the fall, we turn to apple cider over and over again. We mix it with bubbly water and a slice of lemon for a fizzy cocktail, or with cinnamon and cloves as a hot after-dinner drink. Here's one new way to try apple cider: with dramatically sweet and tangy hibiscus flowers in syrup.

We've had a jar of these hibiscus flowers in syrup in the pantry for a long time, and have been meaning to try them with cider. Well, we're glad we did; they are such a lovely and delicious pairing.

The hibiscus flower syrup is dark, sweet, and tangy without being overpowering. It gives a smooth and sweet edge to the rustic taste of apple cider. The flowers themselves are gorgeous, and while we were disappointed we couldn't see them through the dark cider, we like dropping one in a mug as a little surprise.

Have you ever tried hibiscus flowers in syrup? They're a really lovely treat when added to cider like this; it may become our new after-dinner hot drink.

Apple Cider with Hibiscus Flower Syrup
serves 6

4 cups apple cider
2-inch knob fresh ginger, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks, broken
1 8.8 ounce jar hibiscus flowers in syrup

Mix the apple cider, ginger, cinnamon, and all the syrup from the flowers in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve with hibiscus flowers in the glasses.

Related: Hibiscus Berry Sundae

(Images: Faith Durand)

Oh, that sounds wonderful!

posted by Emily Ho on November 19th 2009 at 5:40pm
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I have, I love them and always have a jar in the pantry/fridge. I use the syrup in baking as well, like in the filling for macarons.

posted by sparrowsgo on November 20th 2009 at 2:14am
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I've never seen hibiscus syrup for sale but this looks lovely.

p.s. I can't help finding the spam above very funny!

posted by Sian on November 20th 2009 at 6:42am
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I saw those hibiscus flowers in specialty stores here about a year ago. they are great in drinks like kir royales as well. They are pricey though when you get them already made up in the syrup. Recently, in the local health food/herbal store, I noticed that they had dried hibiscus flower -- really cheap ($5 for about 4-5 cups!!!) Just make up a 2:1 syrup and toss in a handful of the flowers while the syrup is boiling. The syrup is also good as a sweetener in cocktails I also use them when I make up grenadine. it makes the grenadine so pretty!

posted by janice m on November 21st 2009 at 3:05am
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