Trying to decide whether to have a beer or a cocktail tonight? Why not have the best of both worlds? My hibiscus beer is tart, smooth, icy cold and hits the spot after a long week. A lime hibiscus simple syrup made with hibiscus is combined with a Mexican lager to create the most refreshing end of the week.
Y’all know my love for hibiscus. I’m addicted to these ruby red gems. I usually pair them with tequila or pisco, but today I want to share with you how to pair hibiscus with an icy cold cerveza.
My hibiscus beer is refreshing, tart, tangy and goes down super smooth. For this recipe we are not going to be cooking up homemade beer at home. We are going to simply dress up your favorite Mexican lager beer with a homemade hibiscus lime simple syrup.
A few tablespoons of my homemade hibiscus lime simply syrup at the bottom of a glass, then top with your favorite Mexican lager – it is so simple yet takes your beer to another level. It makes me so happy.
WHAT IS HIBISCUS
Hibiscus flowers or Jamaica flowers are also called flor de jamaica (pronounced ha-MY-kuh) in Spanish are petals from the roselle plant that are dried.
Hibiscus is used to make Agua de Jamaica – “hibiscus water” is an agua fresca made by steeping the dried hibiscus leaves in water which is then sweetened with sugar.
WHERE TO FIND DRIED HIBISCUS FLOWERS
hibiscus can be found at almost any Mexican market in the produce section find it labeled – “flor de Jamaica.” You can also buy online, but I prefer to buy them at my local Mexican Market where I am able to buy at a better price and better quality.
When you’re buying dried hibiscus look for whole bright petals, not cut or broken flowers, free of mildew or moisture.
WHAT IS A SIMPLE SYRUP
A simple syrup is an essential ingredient for cocktailing at home. Simple syrup is so easy to make and can easily be customized by season with fruit and spices and the combinations are endless.
To make simple syrup bring one part water and one part sugar to a boil, reduce heat, and stir until sugar has dissolved, see …so easy. Allow to cool and store in fridge. For this recipe we will adding one more cup of water to make our simple syrup since we are adding hibiscus leaves. We want out simple syrup to be a bit thinner, looser to easily combine with the lager.
Before you get started making my hibiscus beer, I recommend gathering these from your kitchen: saucepan, spoon, strainer, and any covered container to store hibiscus lime syrup. I store all my simple syrup in canning jars.
HOW TO MAKE HIBISCUS BEER
We will begin by making the hibiscus lime syrup that will be used to flavor our lager. The hibiscus lime syrup can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Simply give the hibiscus lime syrup a gently shake before using. My hibiscus lime syrup can also be used to make mimosas or margaritas.
To make we will need dried hibiscus, a lime, water and sugar or sweetener of your choice. For the holidays I make this syrup using piloncillo or brown sugar for a heartier syrup but have also made it with agave.
I added the lime halves to my saucepan, this step is optional. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and simmer until all sugar dissolves. Allow to infuse/cool for 15 minutes then strain and store in fridge. I like to store my simple syrup in canning jars as I can label them with date and, I can easily pour into jigger or spoon easily from canning jar.
To a glass, add hibiscus lime syrup then slowly pour over chilled lager to allow beer to combine with syrup. The lager will take on the prettiest of ruby tint, simply stunning.
I hope you give this hibiscus beer a try. It truly makes your lager pop with the addition of hibiscus.
OTHER RECIPES THAT FEATURE HIBISCUS:
- For Hibiscus Lime Simple Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup dried hibiscus
- Juice of 1 lime
- For Hibiscus Beer
- Hibiscus Lime Syrup
- Mexican Lager
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For Hibiscus Lime Simple Syrup: To a saucepan add all ingredients and juiced lime halves (optional) bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until all sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to infuse/cool for 15 minutes. Strain, place in a covered container and store in fridge until ready to use. Will keep in fridge for one week, shake before using. Recipe can be doubled easily.
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For Hibiscus Beer: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hibiscus lime syrup to a bottom of glass, slowly add Mexican lager of choice.
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