Red, in many West African cultures, is a symbol of strength, spirituality, life and death. Hibiscus is native to West Africa as well, and its tangy flavor has been a part of Juneteenth celebrations since the beginning.
Ingredients
- 5 cups water (or more to adjust for taste)
- 2 Tbsp chopped ginger
- 1 cup dried hibiscus petals
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 750 ml bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay)
- 1 ½ lbs fruit cut into chunks – for example – mango, strawberries, peaches, pineapple, blueberries
- 1-2 oranges, sliced thinly with peel still on
- Lime chunks – cut limes into halves and then each half into quarters
- ½ cup light rum
- 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar (for simple syrup) or honey or agave syrup to taste
Directions
If making/using simple syrup – Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add in 1 cup sugar and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.
In a large heat-resistant bowl, combine dried hibiscus, chopped ginger, cinnamon stick, lime chunks. Boil 5 cups water in a kettle or pot and gently pour water into the bowl to cover these ingredients. Let steep 45 minutes – overnight. If steeping overnight, place in fridge once stuff has cooled down. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor. Once done steeping, strain and reserve liquid; discard solids.
Combine all fruit in a large pitcher. Add rum, then hibiscus-spice liquid, wine, and simple syrup or another sweetener. Stir and let sit from a few hours to overnight before serving.