Summer of Leisure: Hibiscus Juneteenth Punch
Happy Juneteenth!
I dreamt of this cocktail and it exceeded every expectation. I’m kicking my summer cocktail series off with a drink to celebrate America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth. While working on this recipe there were three components that I focused on: color, ingredients, and community.
I knew I wanted a red or red-hued drink to continue the tradition of paying honor to the resilience and bloodshed of slaves before and after emancipation. The “red drink” has been the signature drink at Juneteenth celebrations for years and the beauty of this drink is that there is no specific recipe. You can celebrate Freedom Day with a cup of Kool-Aid and a strawberry soda. Or you can get creative and use ingredients that are unique to the black experience.
As for ingredients, hibiscus just felt right. When the transport of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic began, hibiscus was one of the few ingredients that made the voyage. The hibiscus flower, also known as the Haitian flower, has held a special place in the black food and beverage experience as it embodies the strength and fortitude of our people. Not only is it a delicious flavoring ingredient, it’s steeped in culture, resilience, and joy.
When you make this punch, I hope you enjoy it with family and friends, and continue to share the stories of Juneteenth and the red drink. Happy Juneteenth!
Hibiscus Juneteenth Punch
Makes 10 servings
Prep time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
2 cups dried hibiscus flower
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
1 knob whole ginger
3 cups water
1 cup simple syrup
1 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup pineapple juice
2 cups gin or your favorite spirit (see notes for non-alcohol option)
Steep the hibiscus
Add the dried hibiscus flower, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and water to a large pot. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Let the hibiscus mixture steep for at least one hour (covered), preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Prepare the punch
Strain the steeped hibiscus mixture into a large punch bowl. Stir in the simple syrup, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and gin.
Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lavender or fruit.
Notes:
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Hibiscus is a little tart, so 1 cup of simple syrup is a good (safe) place to start. The pineapple juice also adds a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Any spirit will taste amazing in this cocktail. Gin is my favorite but I also enjoy this with tequila, rum, and whiskey.
For a non-alcoholic punch, swap the spirit for citrus sparkling water like lime, lemon, and grapefruit.