If it can't be summer, we can pretend it is, right? Let's take a sip of this Hibiscus Bourbon Cocktail and bask in the sun as tiki flavors meet up with warming bourbon.
Maybe by the time you're reading this, it is summer. (Finally!) Either way, as someone who lives in New England for all four of Mother Nature's glorious season this cocktail is a good fit anytime of year. (Granted, I think she has a tendency to overdo it with the winter stuff.)
Hibiscus Bourbon Cocktails are like fusion, but in the cocktail world. You know when someone takes a cheesesteak and stuffs it in an egg roll? Well that's fusion food. These cocktails are taking tropical flavors like floral-y hibiscus and sweet orgeat syrup and matching them up with good ol' bourbon and lemon juice for acidic balance.
Balancing the flavors of the sweet with the acidic and having just enough kick to taste the alcohol but not make you go 'Whoa!' after your first sip...that's my favorite part of creating new cocktails. Well besides the taste testing here and there. Life's all about balance, and great news! The recipe for these Hibiscus Bourbon Cocktails includes steps for making batch cocktails. Now you can balance one cocktail in each hand in half the time!
Breaking down the ingredients
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So hibiscus is a flower right? How are we going to get flowers in a cocktail? It's easy.
:::Amazon:::
Seems to be the answer to most things these days, but when you have that 2-day free shipping it's a no brainer option. This Dried Hibiscus Flower Powder
is what I purchased. It's only 4 ounces and under $5. The flavor is pretty subtle. You'll want to add enough to the simple syrup to get the floral notes in the aroma and in the taste without the bourbon overpowering it, or feeling like you're chopping on a bouquet of roses.
The next item to throw in the virtual shopping cart is the Torani Almond Orgeat Syrup
. If you're thinking what the heck is Orgeat? You're not alone. That darling husband of mine taught me the ways of tiki drink making many moons ago, and orgeat is a staple. In it's most basic description, it's almond syrup. It brings just a hint of that sweet tropical flavor associated with tiki drinks. Save the rest of the bottle for Mai Tais, put some in your morning coffee, or use it in glazes for baking - like a little drizzle over this Blood Orange Mascarpone Tart.
The rest is easy peasy. A little lemon, some bourbon then shake it up and pour it out. Crushed ice is highly recommended, because tiki, you know. Plus, sometimes it's good to just take the meat mallet out and crush things.
What are your favorite fusion food and drinks? Is there anything out there that blew your mind and I need to try?! Did you make this recipe? Tell me about it in the comments!
Hibiscus Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
Hibiscus Bourbon Cocktail
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce orgeat (almond syrup)
- 1 ounce hibiscus simple syrup
Batched Hibiscus Bourbon Cocktail - Makes 4 Cocktails
- ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup + 2 T orgeat (almond syrup)
- ⅓ cup hibiscus simple syrup
Hibiscus Simple Syrup
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon hibiscus powder
Instructions
- In a medium size container - a bowl or mason jar - combine hot water, sugar and hibiscus powder. Whisk until sugar is completely dissolved.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Add ice and shake vigorously for a full 10 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass with crushed ice.
The Larson’s says
We had some Hibiscus Honey Syrup so, used that and the drink was SPECTACULAR!
Lorena Chamorro says
what is the substitute for the almond syrup can I use Frangelico?
Lauren says
Orgeat is a little thicker, sweeter, and not the same flavor as Frangelico, to be honest, I'm not sure if that swap would work. If you can get orgeat that would be my first recommendation, then you can save the leftover to make mai tais! If you're unable to get the almond syrup, I'd probably do a splash of the frangelico and some regular simple syrup. Let me know how it goes!
mary says
Hi , when the recipe calls for 2T ....do you mean tablespoons or tea spoons 🙂
Lauren says
tablespoons! ❤️
Sues says
This is seriously one of the most gorgeous cocktails ever! And perfect timing because I'm definitely needing some summer in my life right now!
Jennifer says
What a gorgeous color for this cocktail! I have a friend who I think would fall in love with these flavors. Thank you for the recipe!
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale says
This drink looks LOVELY! I will have to make this for my next dinner party.
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
This sounds like a great cocktail for upcoming spring parties!
Sharon says
What a great cocktail for doing what you said-pretending it's finally warm out! Bourbon is so versatile and you really made one great cocktail here.
Amanda Mason says
YUM!! I am all about a good cocktail and I dont care WHAT time of year it is!!! Hot, cold...who cares! It's a cocktail and your looks amazing! Can't wait to try it out!!
Rezel Kealoha says
This looks makes me want to book a trip to Hawaii and I also need that almond syrup. I had no idea that was the distinct flavour in tiki drinks! The more you know!!
Kristen Roberts says
Lauren - I don't think this drink could even be prettier! The recipe sounds delicious and you photos - fabulous! Way to go girl!
Lauren says
Thanks so much!!! ❤️
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
This cocktail is gorgeous and I love the flavors! Can't wait for summer!!
Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade says
Bourbon is usually too strong for me, but I like this recipe because I think the sweet from the syrup would help to tone that down. I'm loving the bold color of this cocktail too
Rachel says
This cocktail isn't just beautiful to look at, but the balance of flavors sounds fantastic. I can't wait to point this one out to my husband (aka resident bartender)!
Stine Mari says
Yes! I love hibiscus and I love bourbon, awesome cocktail.