The perfect tropical cocktail combines sweet and sour flavors with a hint of floral notes.
A Heroes’ Hibiscus Smash cocktail mixes fresh hibiscus, lime juice, and rum to create a refreshing drink that tastes like summer in a glass.
This bright red cocktail gets its color from steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water. The natural tartness of hibiscus pairs well with white rum and fresh citrus.
Making this drink at home takes just 5 minutes once the hibiscus tea has cooled.
The recipe uses simple ingredients found at most grocery stores, and the steps are easy enough for beginner home bartenders to follow.
Heroes’ Hibiscus Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Collins glass or tall tumbler
- Tea kettle or pot
Ingredients
For the hibiscus tea
- 4 hibiscus tea bags
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 tablespoons honey
For each cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz hibiscus tea
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Club soda
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Make the hibiscus tea first. Steep tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and stir in honey until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Heroes’ Hibiscus Smash has a bright, tart flavor profile with sweet floral notes from the hibiscus tea. The drink starts with a refreshing burst of citrus from fresh lime juice.
Dominant flavors:
- Hibiscus (tart and floral)
- Lime (bright and citrusy)
- Mint (cool and fresh)
- Simple syrup (balanced sweetness)
A gentle mint aroma rises from the crushed leaves, adding complexity without taking over the drink. The simple syrup provides just enough sweetness to balance the natural tartness of hibiscus.
The texture is light and crisp, with tiny bubbles from shaking that create a silky mouthfeel. Small bits of crushed mint and ice chips give the cocktail an engaging texture.
When properly chilled, the drink remains refreshing from first sip to last. The beautiful deep pink color comes naturally from the hibiscus tea.
Best served:
- Temperature: Very cold
- Glass: Rocks or double old-fashioned
- Garnish: Fresh mint sprig and lime wheel
The flavors blend together smoothly while each remains distinct enough to identify. No single ingredient takes over, creating a balanced and drinkable cocktail.
Substitute
The Heroes’ Hibiscus Smash can be made with different ingredients when the original ones aren’t available. Here are some common swaps that work well.
Hibiscus tea can be replaced with cranberry juice or pomegranate juice. These give a similar tart and fruity flavor profile.
For the bourbon base, other brown spirits make good alternatives. Try these options:
- Dark rum
- Aged tequila
- Brandy
- Whiskey
No fresh mint? Use 2-3 drops of mint extract or muddle basil leaves instead.
Simple syrup alternatives include:
- Agave nectar
- Honey
- Pure maple syrup
Note: When using honey or maple syrup, use about 25% less than the recipe calls for since they’re sweeter than simple syrup.
The lime juice can be swapped with lemon juice in equal amounts. Both citrus fruits add the needed brightness and acidity.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with:
- Ginger beer
- Apple cider
- Black tea
- Non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives
