I’m always on the lookout for ways to jazz up classic drinks. A Hibiscus Margarita is a refreshing take on the regular margarita, using hibiscus to give it a tart flavor and a bright color.
This makes it stand out at any gathering—plus, it’s just something new to try.
When I use dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea, the drink picks up a floral note that works really well with lime and tequila.
Honestly, this recipe is pretty easy to follow, even if you’re not someone who mixes cocktails all the time.
If you want a simple drink with a twist, the Hibiscus Margarita’s a solid choice.
It adds a different taste and that eye-catching color without being a hassle to mix up.
Hibiscus Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- I grab a cocktail shaker to mix and chill everything.
- A jigger helps me measure, and I keep a strainer handy to pour the drink out smoothly, catching any stray ice or bits.
- For serving, I like a rocks glass or a short tumbler.
- To spice up the rim, I use a small plate for salt and a lime wedge to wet the edge.
- A bar spoon is nice for stirring, but honestly, the shaker does most of the heavy lifting.
Ingredients
Here’s what I use for one serving:
- Tequila blanco 2 oz (60 ml)
- Hibiscus syrup 1 oz 30 ml
- Fresh lime juice 1 oz 30 ml
- Triple sec orange liqueur 0.5 oz (15 ml)
- Ice As needed
- Salt for rim Optional
- Lime wedge or wheel For garnish
Instructions
- First, if I’m in the mood for a salty rim, I run a lime wedge around the glass and dip it in salt on a little plate.
- Then I fill the glass with ice to chill it while I get the rest ready.
- In my cocktail shaker, I toss in tequila, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and triple sec. I add ice, close it up, and shake hard for about 15 seconds. That really chills and mixes everything together.
- Next, I dump the ice from my serving glass.
- Using a strainer, I pour the cocktail into the glass over fresh ice.
- To finish, I throw on a lime wheel or wedge for garnish. Simple as that.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
When I take a sip, the Hibiscus Margarita hits me first with a fresh, floral taste. That hibiscus really stands out, giving a gentle tartness that works with the lime.
I’d say the cocktail walks the line between sweet and sour. The sweet notes come from the agave syrup, while the lime and hibiscus bring in that tart edge.
The color is a bold pink-red—seriously, it looks amazing over ice.
The texture is smooth and refreshing. I can taste the tequila in the aftertaste, but it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
There’s also this faint, flowery scent every time I lift the glass. The aroma just makes the whole thing feel extra refreshing.
Substitute
If I don’t have hibiscus syrup on hand, I just grab some hibiscus tea instead. I brew a strong cup, let it cool down, and then pour it into my margarita mix.
It ends up with that same tart kick and a really vivid color, honestly pretty close to the original.
If someone’s skipping alcohol, I switch out the tequila for sparkling water or sometimes lemon-lime soda. That way, it’s still got the same flavors, just minus the booze.
I try to keep the recipe simple so pretty much anyone can enjoy it.
If I’m aiming for less sugar, I just use unsweetened hibiscus tea and squeeze in some fresh citrus juice.
When triple sec is missing from my shelf, orange juice is honestly fine for me. If I’ve only got lemons, I use lemon juice instead of lime—no big deal.
These swaps save me from making an extra trip to the store, which, let’s be real, is always a win.