RECIPE

Hibiscus-Tequila Cocktails

  • ACTIVE: 15 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes 4 drinks

When Jacques Pépin was new to Playa del Carmen, local friends taught him how to turn the dried hibiscus flowers from the market into a tart and aromatic tea that's popular in the Yucatán. To make a refreshing cocktail, he mixes the bright red tea with tequila, lime juice, jarabe (bottled sugar syrup) and a splash of hot sauce.

  • ACTIVE: 15 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes 4 drinks
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 2 1/2 cups water
    2. 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (see Note)
    3. 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
    4. 1/2 cup tequila
    5. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
    6. 4 dashes of habanero hot sauce

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the hibiscus flowers and boil for 1 minute. Cover and remove from the heat. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the tea into a bowl and stir in the sugar until dissolved. Refrigerate until well chilled.
  2. Stir the tequila, lime juice and hot sauce into the tea. Pour into ice-filled highball glasses and serve.

Make Ahead

The hibiscus tea can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

Dried hibiscus flowers, also called flor de Jamaica, can be found at Latin and Caribbean markets and at health food stores. In a pinch, Red Zinger tea bags can be substituted.