Hibiscus Margarita: the Floral Cocktail
Combine one part lime juice with two parts Olmeca Altos Plata tequila and two parts hibiscus syrup in a shaker, adding a couple of ice cubes before giving it a vigorous shake. Once chilled and well blended, strain the liquid into a margarita glass, leaving the ice behind. For an authentic mexican flourish, run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into salt before serving.
Everyone knows a margarita is irresistible – but have you ever tried one infused with hibiscus? Hibiscus is a striking flower that flourishes in many corners of the world, often displaying vivid red or pink petals that are commonly used to prepare teas and refreshing drinks.
When combined with tequila, it produces a cocktail that feels both exotic and elegant. For those who like their drinks a little sweeter, agave nectar makes an excellent substitute for ordinary sugar, adding depth without being overpowering.
What makes this version so appealing is its simplicity: with only three ingredientsñ, it’s effortless to prepare, whether you’re an experienced bartender or just mixing at home for the first time.
Ingredients for the Hibiscus Margarita
To create this cocktail, you’ll only need the following:
- 60 ml / 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
- 30 ml / 1 part of lime juice
- 30 ml / 1 part of hibiscus syrup
- Ice
- Salt
How to prepare the Hibiscus Margarita
The Hibiscus Margarita is a fruity twist on the classic Margarita. And if you’re curious about the origins of this world-famous cocktail, you’ll find the story explored further on in this article. Making this cocktail is wonderfully straightforward.
Start by combining one part lime juice, two parts Olmeca Altos Plata tequila and two parts hibiscus syrup in a shaker. Add a couple of ice cubes and give everything a brisk shake until well mixed and chilled. Once ready, strain the liquid into a Margarita glass, leaving the ice behind so the drink stays smooth and vibrant.
For an extra flourish with a truly Mexican feel, run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into salt before pouring. It takes only a moment but adds both flavour and style. All that’s left is to raise your glass and enjoy this bright, floral twist on the classic Margarita.
Tips for making the perfect Hibiscus Margarita
If you’ve never tried hibiscus with tequila, you’re in for a delightful surprise. The flowers are renowned for their tangy flavour and striking colour, and they lend themselves beautifully to teas, cocktails and even marinades. A Hibiscus Margarita is refreshingly bright and irresistibly delicious – the sort of drink you’ll want to enjoy all summer long.
- For best results, always shake the mixture with ice rather than simply stirring it.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- If you find the cocktail a little strong, a splash of sparkling water will help soften it without diminishing its vibrancy.
- You can also add a touch of flair by blending dried hibiscus flowers into the salt for the rim of the glass; this not only looks stunning but also helps release their essential oils.
- For an aromatic finish, twist a strip of lime zest over the top of the glass before dropping it in.
How to make hibiscus syrup at home
The glorious ruby-red colour of the Hibiscus Margarita comes from the syrup, which is very simple to prepare. All you need is 75 ml of water, 50 g of sugar, and two tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers. Place the three ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil for about three minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Strain the liquid and allow it to cool before using. The syrup can be kept in the fridge for up to a fortnight, making it easy to whip up Margaritas whenever the mood strikes. If you’d rather not work with the dried flowers, there is an easy alternative.
Simply brew around four hibiscus tea bags in boiling water and sweeten to taste with sugar, honey, or another sweetener of your choice. The result will still give you that beautiful colour and flavour, perfect for mixing into your cocktail. If you’re looking for more recipes to try at home, check out our best cocktail recipes and keep experimenting with new combinations.
History of the Hibiscus Margarita
The story of the Hibiscus Margarita begins in the late 1990s, when bartenders Nick Strangeway and Cairbry Hill developed the recipe for Che, a celebrated London bar renowned across Europe for its extensive tequila collection.
What started as a creative twist behind the counter quickly captured attention, and before long the drink had gained admirers well beyond the capital. Today, the Hibiscus Margarita enjoys a devoted following around the globe, cherished for its striking colour, floral brightness, and unmistakable character.
High quality tequila for the Hibiscus Margarita cocktail
To bring out the very best in a Hibiscus Margarita, the ideal choice is a blanco tequila like Olmeca Altos Plata. Unlike reposado or añejo, which spend months or years resting in oak barrels, blanco tequila is distilled in stainless steel and bottled immediately. The result is a clean, crisp spirit that preserves the true essence of agave, without the woody flavours that often accompany aged tequilas.
Crafted exclusively from Blue Weber agaves and double-distilled to achieve its fresh, lively character, this award-winning tequila delivers a vibrant profile that pairs beautifully with the tang of lime and the floral sharpness of hibiscus. Its bold yet balanced flavour ensures that every sip of your cocktail feels both refreshing and memorable.
Ultimately, choosing a premium tequila such as the Olmeca Altos family elevates the Hibiscus Margarita from a simple mixed drink to an experience worth savouring. With its jewel-toned colour, bright flavours, and smooth finish, this cocktail is a celebration in a glass – perfect for sharing on warm evenings, festive gatherings, or any occasion where you want to raise a toast in style.
