Drink Recipe: Hibiscus Ginger Punch

Emily Han
Emily Han
Emily Han is a Los Angeles-based recipe developer, educator, herbalist, and author of Wild Drinks & Cocktails and co-author of Wild Remedies. For recipes and classes, check out her personal site.
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updated Jan 29, 2020
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Servesabout 12

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Most punch recipes cater to a single crowd: drinkers or non-drinkers. This one is delicious either way. Whether you fizz it up with champagne or mineral water, hibiscus ginger punch will put a colorful sparkle in your celebrations.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

When I started dreaming of a festive punch, I initially considered cranberry or pomegranate but, frankly, I was a bit tired of these ingredients, which appear in every other beverage this time of year. Instead, I turned to a holiday tradition from Jamaica, where a drink called “sorrel” is made from hibiscus blossoms.

Throughout the world

To make this punch, I mixed a rich hibiscus and ginger base with ginger ale and then either champagne, sparkling white wine, or sparkling mineral water. For the non-alcoholic version I recommend using a true mineral water (like Perrier) rather than other carbonated waters. Its subtle mineral flavor and more delicate bubbles are a sophisticated substitute for the alcohol. But use any fizzy water that works for you.

On the subject of substitutions, what if you can’t find dried hibiscus blossoms (also known as “flor de jamaica” in Latin American markets)? Try making a strong brew with hibiscus tea bags; Celestial Seasonings and The Republic of Tea are two widely available brands.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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Hibiscus Ginger Punch

Serves about 12

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 cups

    water

  • 1 cup

    dried hibiscus blossoms

  • 1

    (2-inch) piece of ginger, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup

    sugar

  • 4 cups

    chilled ginger ale

  • 2

    (750-mL) bottles chilled champagne, sparkling white wine, or sparkling mineral water

  • Optional: ice, garnishes of mint, lemon or lime slices

Instructions

  1. Combine water, hibiscus blossoms, and ginger in a pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in sugar. Let cool, strain, and chill. (If you like, save some of the plumped-up hibiscus blossoms for garnish.)

  2. To make punch, stir hibiscus juice with ginger ale and champagne or mineral water. Garnish if desired and serve immediately.

Related: Recipe: Hibiscus-Earl Grey Iced Tea

(Images: Emily Ho)

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Beverages
Cocktails
thanksgiving
Tea