Hibiscus Margarita Recipe: How to Make a Hibiscus Margarita

A Hibiscus Margarita follows the recipe of the classic Margarita but with the addition of syrup made from hibiscus flowers, also known as “flor de Jamaica.” This tropical flower, known best for agua fresca and hibiscus tea, adds a juicy, floral flavor to the Margarita’s cherished combination of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.

A Hibiscus Margarita is only as good as the quality of the ingredients you use, so to get the best results, opt for the best ingredients you can find:

1. 1. Tequila: Great cocktails need a foundation of quality liquor. Tequila, made from the agave plant, has a distinct, somewhat herbaceous flavor that goes well with a sweet, fruity liqueur and the acidic, citrus kick of lime. For a Hibiscus Margarita, a tequila blanco, or silver tequila, will work just as well as a slightly more complex and mellow tequila reposado or tequila anejo.
2. 2. Lime: Skip the Margarita mix. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the key to making the best Margarita. Keep extra limes on hand for garnish.
3. 3. Hibiscus simple syrup: This is a DIY step in the cocktail-making process, but don’t be intimidated: All you need are dried hibiscus flower, granulated sugar, and water. With a little time, you’ll have a strikingly red, delicious simple syrup you can use for this and other drinks.
4. 4. Orange liqueur: An orange-flavored triple-sec like Cointreau provides sweetness to balance the lime juice. If you don’t have Cointreau, try using Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored Cognac) or agave nectar.
5. 5. Hibiscus flowers in syrup: This can make for a tasty and eye-catching garnish. These dried hibiscus flowers have been steeped in syrup, which creates a deliciously sweet and tart syrup. Skewer a hibiscus flower and place it across the rim of your cocktail glass.