EgyptianEgyptian Karkade (Hibiscus) Hot or Cold
Dried hibiscus flowers steeped in just-boiled water for 15 minutes, strained and sweetened into a deep crimson drink. Served hot in tea glasses in winter or chilled with ice at iftar.
Makes: About 1.2 liters, 5 glasses
Jump to ingredients & methodMethod
Read the full method before starting. Cooking times are guides; check texture and doneness as you cook.
Shows the steps one at a time, with a timer for each timed step.
Sharp knife and board
Measure, cut, and arrange every ingredient in order of use. Read the full method and keep finishing ingredients separate.
- 01
Rinsing
2 minutesRinse the dried hibiscus flowers quickly in a sieve under running water to remove any dust.
Success cueClean, dark red flowers.
- 02
Steeping
20 minutesHigh heatBring the water to a boil, take it off the heat, add the hibiscus flowers, cover and leave for 15 minutes.
Success cueA deep crimson liquid.
- 03
Straining
3 minutesStrain, pressing the flowers lightly, and stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
Success cueClear, deep red and fully sweetened.
- 04
Serving
1 minutePour it into tea glasses to serve hot. If you serve it cold, chill it for 2 hours and pour it over ice.
Success cueHot and fragrant, or cold and clear over ice.
PlateMap is still in testing. Quantities and results may vary with ingredients and equipment. Please check food safety yourself, especially with meat and poultry.
Cooking tips
Sweeten it while it is hot; sugar dissolves badly once the karkade is cold.
- • Steep the flowers off the heat; boiling them makes the drink bitter.
- • For a smoother cold drink, soak the flowers in cold water in the fridge for 8 hours instead.
Common mistakes
- • Boiling the flowers in the water, which makes it bitter.
- • Adding all the sugar before tasting; hibiscus sourness varies.
- • Sweetening it only after chilling, so the sugar settles at the bottom.
Substitutions
- • Instead of dried hibiscus flowers: 8 hibiscus tea bags
- • Instead of sugar: honey, added once the drink is warm rather than hot
Serving ideasServe hot in small tea glasses, or cold over ice with dates at iftar.
Potential allergens
Check ingredient labels
Compound ingredients vary by product; check labels and possible cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot or cold: which is traditional?
Both. Egyptians drink it hot in winter and as a cold drink in summer and Ramadan.
Why is my karkade bitter?
The flowers were boiled or left in the hot water too long. Steep them off the heat for no more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Is karkade safe for everyone?
Hibiscus can lower blood pressure a little. If you take blood pressure medicine or are pregnant, ask your doctor first.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. The strained concentrate keeps up to a week, so you can add the cold water as you need it.
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