Journal / Recipes

Amy Chaplin's Favorite Hibiscus Winter Drinks

Amy Chaplin's Favorite Hibiscus Winter Drinks

It’s the end of a cold winter and sometimes all I want is a bright and sparkling drink to lift my spirits, other times it's a warming, spicy drink in a mug. Prepare this hibiscus drink base recipe and keep it on hand to serve it cold or hot depending on your mood. Either way it suits a winter vibe with its velvety-rich red color and warming spices. Everyone will love it including kids and your sober curious friends.

Date:

October 24, 2023

Author:

Amy Chaplin

Tags:

Share:

Email Facebook

Spiced Hibiscus Drink Base


Hibiscus has a surprisingly tart flavor which is met beautifully with the earthy sweet flavors of maple syrup. It stands up well to the star anise, cinnamon and ginger and you could add a couple of cloves if you wanted a more pronounced “mulled wine” flavor.

Ingredients: Spiced Hibiscus Drink Base

  • 10 pods cardamom
  • 3 whole star anise
  • 3 slices fresh ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup Rishi Tea Hibiscus
  • ¼ cup maple syrup

Preparation: Spiced Hibiscus Drink Base

  1. In a 2-quart pot combine cardamom, star anise, ginger, cinnamon and water.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover pot, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain into a heat proof jar or container and add Rishi Tea Hibiscus.
  4. Allow to steep for 30 minutes then drain well.
  5. Add maple syrup and stir well. Keep in a sealed glass container for up to 2 weeks.
Hibiscus-image

Hibiscus

Tangy | Sweet | Tart

from $25

Spiced Hibiscus Sparkler

This eye-catching drink is great served as a festive pre-dinner cocktail. If you chill your drink base and sparkling water ahead, you won’t need ice. Serves one.

Ingredients: Spiced Hibiscus Sparkler

  • 1 ½ ounces spiced hibiscus drink base, recipe above
  • 6 ounces chilled sparkling water
  • 1 slice fresh orange
  • Ice to serve, optional

Preparation: Spiced Hibiscus Sparkler

  1. Add drink base to a glass or coupe.
  2. Pour in sparkling water and serve with a slice of orange and a few ice cubes if desired.

Hibiscus Gluehwein

This virgin mulled wine is velvety smooth and so warming that it will make you “glow” just as the translation of the classic mulled wine suggests. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy any time you’ve come out from the cold. Serves one.

Ingredients: Hibiscus Gluehwein

  • 1½ ounces spiced hibiscus drink base
  • 6 ounces boiling filtered water
  • 1 slice fresh orange
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Preparation: Hibiscus Gluehwein

  1. Add drink base to a mug.
  2. Pour in boiling water and add orange and cinnamon stick.

Recipe copyright @ Amy Chaplin 2024

About Amy

Amy Chaplin is the author of two James Beard Award-Winning cook books At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen and Whole Food Cooking Every Day. She is the former executive chef of New York’s renowned vegan restaurant Angelica Kitchen, a recipe developer, teacher, and private chef. 

amychaplin.com

Instagram @amychaplin

Similar Articles To Explore

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

Rishi Tea celebrates a decade of impact through its Direct Trade partnership with the Mae Taeng tea farmers of Northern Thailand. Rooted in a region where tea culture dates back centuries, Rishi’s collaboration has empowered communities to transition from traditional Miang tea production to thriving organic black tea farming. By revitalizing old tea forests, embracing sustainable practices, and enhancing biodiversity, Rishi has helped local farmers preserve their rich tea heritage while expanding their market reach. This partnership highlights the evolution of Thailand’s tea industry and brings the unique flavors of Mae Taeng's terroir to a global audience.
Pu'er County, Yunnan, China

Pu'er County, Yunnan, China

Pu'er County, also located in Yunnan Province, China, plays a significant role in the history and production of Puer tea. This region is known for its tea cultivation areas, which encompass famous and ancient tea mountains, including key areas like Jinggu, Jingmai, and Mangjing.
Nishi-San's Organic Vintage Matcha

Nishi-San's Organic Vintage Matcha

The Nishi family's expertly crafted, organic Vintage Matcha selection brings four unique cultivars—Saemidori, Kanayamidori, Asanoka, and Asatsuyu—aged for over a year to enhance umami depth and flavor complexity. 
Give the Gift of Flavor: Experience the World of Tea with Flights for Every Palate

Give the Gift of Flavor: Experience the World of Tea with Flights for Every Palate

Looking for a thoughtful gift that’s both unique and delicious? Welcome to a journey through the world of tea. Explore our curated Tea Flights—each a perfect gift to take the tea lover in your life on a sensory adventure through carefully selected flavors. From spicy chai blends and floral teas to indulgent dessert-inspired infusions, these bundles offer a tasting experience for every flavor preference, making it easy to find the right match for anyone on your gift list.

Discover Our Teas

Shop Now