Hibiscus Margarita

Name: Hibiscus Margarita
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6 drinks
Ingredients: 16 ounces silver (blanco), 100 percent agave tequila; 2 ounces dried Jamaica flowers, also known as hibiscus or flor de Jamaica (about 1 1/4 cups); 5 ounces Grand Marnier; 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 limes); 2 ounces Simple Syrup; Ice (optional); Lime wedges, for serving

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6 drinks Easy

Total: 30 mins, plus 1 hr 30 mins chilling time Active: 20 mins

2 Ratings

Ingredients (7)

16 ounces silver (blanco), 100 percent agave tequila
2 ounces dried Jamaica flowers, also known as hibiscus or flor de Jamaica (about 1 1/4 cups)
5 ounces Grand Marnier
4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 limes)
2 ounces Simple Syrup
Ice (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving

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Nutritional Information

Calories259
Fat0.01g
Saturated fat0.0g
Trans fat
Carbs8.5g
Fiber0.08g
Sugar7.24g
Protein0.08g
Cholesterol
Sodium6.85mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (6 servings) Powered by

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Steeping dried Jamaica flowers in tequila gives a tart, sangría-esque quality to this refreshing twist on a margarita. To make the infusion, warm silver tequila in a saucepan (don’t worry: The alcohol won’t cook out), add the dried flowers, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a pitcher and stir in Grand Marnier, simple syrup, and plenty of fresh-squeezed lime juice. Pop it in the fridge to chill, then serve it up, or over ice in a frosty margarita glass.

What to buy: Jamaica is a member of the hibiscus family, and although it’s labeled as a flower for purchase, it’s actually the calyx, the cover that protects the flower before it blooms. You can find dried Jamaica flowers in natural food stores and Latin markets; they may be labeled “flor de Jamaica,” “Jamaica flowers,” “hibiscus flowers,” or “Roselle.”

Special equipment: You’ll need an instant-read thermometer for this recipe.

Game plan: Be careful, or better yet, wear an apron when you’re handling the infused tequila—any liquid steeped in Jamaica flowers will stain your clothes.

by Lisa Lavery

Instructions

1Place the tequila in a medium saucepan and warm over medium-low heat until the temperature reaches 160°F and the tequila is just beginning to steam, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the Jamaica flowers, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
2Place a fine-mesh strainer over a nonreactive, heatproof, 1-quart container and pour the infused tequila through the strainer; discard the solids.
3Add the remaining measured ingredients and stir to evenly combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 1/2 hours.
4Just before serving, stir to recombine. Pour into a margarita glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lime wedge. Alternatively, place 4 ounces of the margarita mixture in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake vigorously until the outside is frosty, about 30 seconds. Pour the contents into a chilled margarita glass, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve. Repeat for the remaining margaritas.

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