Red drinks have links to two fruits that are native West African plants. The kola nut and hibiscus can both be steeped to make a reddish tea and are usually provided to guests as a welcome. Both plants made their way to the Caribbean and the Americas during the Atlantic slave trade.
Red drinks are an integral part of the Juneteenth food experience whether it’s soda/pop or punch. Really, you can find various forms of a red drink at many Black celebrations from church dinners, birthday parties, or just hanging in the backyard.
PrintHibiscus Cooler
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flower or 2 hibiscus tea bags
- 3 cups water, divided
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1/2–3/4 cup of sugar (depending on the level of sweetness desired)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 12 ounces of ginger ale, ginger beer or sparkling water (optional)
Instructions
- Boil one cup of water. Once water is boiling remove from heat and add the dried hibiscus. If using cinnamon, add at this time.
- Stir in sugar to dissolve.
- Steep petals for 7-10 minutes and
- Add remaining cold water, pineapple juice, and lemon juice and zest to a pitcher.
- Strain hibiscus flowers through a fine mesh. Add concentrate to the pitcher.
- Chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. Add ginger ale or sparkling water once the mixture has chilled.
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