This is a fabulous non-alcoholic beverage to bring you some holiday cheer! It can be served hot or cold.
It is very easily made and only takes three ingredients: Hibiscus tea, mulling spices and a little juice.
For a refreshing cold cocktail, fill a glass with ice, mix in equal parts of the hibiscus tea and a sparkling water like Topo Chico.
So what’s in here?
Select loose organic tea leaves. I’ve had a subscription on Amazon for years because of its health benefits. Here is the link: Hibiscus Tea.
When the tea is very concentrated, it’s almost like a dry red wine.
Secondly you add your mulling spices to the brew process. Basically, mulling spices start with Allspice, Clove, a cinnamon stick. Orange Peel, ginger, and perhaps some cardamom pods. If you have these available, just float some in your tea as it brews.
Although star anise looks very pretty in your drink, do not add any to the brewing process as they will overpower the brew. Star anise has a licorice flavor that is best in small amounts.
If you prefer a mix, I found an organic mix that is quite nice. It’s a little expensive but there is a lot of it. Vitacost seems to have it at the cheapest price for 1 pound of spice. (A pound is a LOT). Click Here.
Finally, you can add a little apple or orange juice to the water for a hint of sweetness.
Garnish your glass with some orange and/or apple slices, a star anise or maybe a skewer of cranberries.
It is festive, can be hot or cold, smells heavenly and it’s good for you! Hibiscus is well known for reducing blood pressure. Maybe because it is so calming.
By the way, licorice is not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure. However, licorice is made with star anise and is great for high blood pressure. Go figure!
