Summer Entertaining Series: Hibiscus Soda

Ingredients

2 1/3 cups sugar

3 cups hibiscus flowers

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (8 to 10 lemons)

6 cups sparkling water

Instructions

1. Combine 6 cups water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes clear; reduce heat and simmer, stirring continually, 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Add hibiscus flowers. Remove from heat and cover, letting it sit until the simple syrup reaches room temperature. Strain and discard hibiscus flowers.

3. Combine lemon juice with cooled simple syrup mixture in a large pitcher. Add sparkling water to the pitcher and stir.

NOTE

Tequila, rum, vodka, or gin complement this soda beautifully; add 2 ounces of your desired liquor per glass