Hibiscus Margarita
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Hibiscus has a beautiful tart, fruity flavor and deep magenta color that really makes this hibiscus margarita pop. This hibiscus margarita recipe is the most delicious thirst quencher and will transport you to a sandy oceanside spot, even if you're nowhere near the ocean!
If you're really feeling the hibiscus flavor, also try this hibiscus lemonade!
Naturally tropical, this drink is made with dried flowers of the hibiscus plant. If you can't picture it, the hibiscus plant is that trumpet-shaped flower you associate with Hawaii. It's the tart and floral notes of the hibiscus that really help this margarita recipe feel like something special! You can whip up a hibiscus margarita for one or turn this recipe into a pitcher to share with friends.
What is a hibiscus margarita?
The classic margarita is made with tequila, orange liqueur (triple sec), and fresh lime juice, and the glass is often rimmed with salt. This combination creates a beautifully balanced beverage. Often thought to have its roots in Mexico, the margarita is now wildly popular and found on menus internationally — it even has its own glassware! (Although we usually serve our margaritas in a simple rocks glass.)
Adding hibiscus syrup to this recipe adds a tangy, tropical note to the drink that pairs nicely with the lime and tequila (the hibiscus simple syrup replaces the triple sec). It also adds a charming pink color to your glass! If you're looking for a fruity twist for your margarita, this hibiscus margarita recipe is it!
How to make a hibiscus margarita
- Make the hibiscus syrup: Bring the water and honey (or sugar) to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the hibiscus flowers. Let it steep until it's cool – at least 30 minutes. Then, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve before using it.
- Prepare your glass: Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of your glass and then dip it into rim salt. Fill your glass with ice.
- Shake it up: Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker and add the tequila, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup.
- Pour and enjoy!
What flavors go well with a hibiscus margarita?
The almost cranberry-like taste of hibiscus complements lots of other flavor combinations and garnishes:
- Strawberry: a strawberry hibiscus margarita is a delicious variation of this cocktail. Adding strawberries to the drink will give a slightly sweeter profile which goes nicely with the tang of the hibiscus.
- Raspberry: Another delicious berry option, one that will further the tart taste of this beverage.
- Orange: You can add a dash of orange juice to this to add some sweetness and further the tropical taste. Adding orange juice will alter the color a little. You can also add orange peels as a garnish.
- Ginger: To add a spicy-ginger note to this cocktail, you can incorporate fresh ginger into the homemade hibiscus syrup or candied ginger as a wonderful garnish!
- Mint: To add a herbaceous flavor to this drink, you can add fresh mint as a garnish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I turn this recipe into a pitcher of hibiscus margaritas?
The easiest way to change a single drink into a pitcher is to convert ounces to cups. In this case, you'll need 2 cups of tequila, 1 cup of fresh lime juice, and ¾ cup of hibiscus simple syrup.
Can I use hibiscus tea instead of the hibiscus simple syrup?
Hibiscus tea will give you the right flavor, however, it won't give you the same consistency or sweetness as the simple syrup. We highly recommend making hibiscus syrup!
Can I use agave nectar instead of honey?
You can substitute agave nectar or granulated sugar for this recipe.
Is this a sweet cocktail?
It isn't a super sweet recipe, however, if you'd like to make it sweeter you can simply add more hibiscus syrup (as the honey is the source of sweetness for this recipe.)
Hibiscus Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- Salt for the rim (we love using hibiscus sea salt!)
- 2 ounces white tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice (fresh is best!)
- ¾ ounce hibiscus simple syrup (recipe below)
Hibiscus Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup honey (or granulated sugar)
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
Instructions
- Begin by making the hibiscus syrup. Bring the water and honey (or sugar) to a boil over high heat. Remove the pot from the heat, add the hibiscus flowers, and stir well. Let it steep until it's cool – at least 30 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve before using it.1 cup water, 1 cup honey, 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- Wet the rim of a glass with a cut piece of lime and then dip it into rim salt. Fill the glass with ice.Salt for the rim
- Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker or glass jar then add the tequila, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup.2 ounces white tequila, 1 ounce lime juice, ¾ ounce hibiscus simple syrup
- Stir until it's cold and then pour it into your glass. Garnish with a dried hibiscus flower, if you'd like.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our cocktail recipes and all of our margarita variations!
