Aromatic Hibiscus Syrup for Desserts
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Yield
About 1 cup
Calories
Approximately 50 calories
Our Aromatic Hibiscus Syrup for Desserts is a vibrant and tantalizing addition that promises to elevate your sweet creations to new heights.
Made from the infusion of dried hibiscus flowers, this syrup boasts a stunning deep ruby color and a complex flavor profile that combines floral notes with a tangy citrus-like tartness.
Its unique taste and aroma make it an exceptional choice for drizzling over cakes, enhancing fruit salads, or adding a creative twist to cocktails and mocktails.
The versatility of this syrup allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of desserts, providing an instant upgrade with its visually appealing hue and distinctive taste.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication to a simple vanilla ice cream or seeking to create an eye-catching layer in your parfaits, this hibiscus syrup is your go-to ingredient for making ordinary desserts extraordinary.
This Aromatic Hibiscus Syrup for Desserts not only adds a layer of sophistication to your culinary creations but also introduces your readers to the enchanting world of edible flowers.
Its versatility and exotic flair are sure to captivate the imagination and palates of dessert enthusiasts everywhere, making it a stellar addition to your blog’s recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 strip of orange peel
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional for added spice)
- Note: For a more intense flavor, let the syrup infuse with the hibiscus flowers overnight before straining.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the dried hibiscus flowers, orange peel, and cinnamon stick to the saucepan.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- The mixture should reduce slightly and take on a rich, deep red color.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the hibiscus flowers, orange peel, and cinnamon stick.
- Ensure the syrup is smooth and clear.
- Transfer the syrup to a glass bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips & Tricks
- Experiment with the amount of hibiscus flowers to adjust the tartness and intensity of the syrup to your liking.
- This syrup can also be used to create vibrant hibiscus-flavored icings for cakes and cupcakes.
- Incorporate a few drops of the syrup into sparkling water for a refreshing and visually appealing drink.
- If the syrup crystallizes after storage, gently warm it to return it to a liquid state.
- Use high-quality, preferably organic hibiscus flowers to ensure the best flavor and color.
- Customize the syrup to your liking by adding spices such as cloves and star anise.
- For a thicker syrup, allow it to reduce longer over low heat. Store the syrup in a sterilized glass container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use the syrup cold to maintain the texture of frozen desserts or for a contrast in temperatures.
- By adding the juice of half a lemon to the hibiscus syrup, we are introducing citric acid into the mix.
- The acid from the lemon has several effects:
- Flavor Balance: Citric acid helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar, providing a more complex and pleasant flavor to the palate.
- Color Preservation: The acid can help preserve the vibrant color of the syrup, keeping the ruby hue of the hibiscus more vivid and attractive.
- Enhancement of Aromas: Lemon adds an extra layer of aroma, complementing the floral notes of hibiscus with citrus, which can make the taste experience richer.
- Texture Adjustment: Citric acid can slightly alter the texture of the syrup, as under certain conditions it can interact with the sugars forming different types of inverted sugars that are less viscous.
- This addition not only improves the flavor profile but can also contribute to a refreshing sensation in the syrup, which is especially desirable in desserts served during the warmer months.
Mise en Place
Ingredients
Utensils
- Water
- Sugar
- Dried hibiscus flowers
- Orange peel
- Cinnamon stick
- Medium saucepan
- Stirring spoon
- Strainer
- Glass bottle or jar for storage
Knives
Pots & Pans
Air Fryer
Storage
Cookbook
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