Karkade (Egyptian Hibiscus Tea)

Karkade is Egypt’s beloved cold hibiscus tea, tart and deep ruby red, often served at weddings and celebrations. It steeps in minutes and only gets better with a little chilling time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (karkade)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar, to taste
• Fresh mint leaves, for serving
• Ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Steep the hibiscus
   Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and sweeten
   Strain out the flowers, pressing to extract the liquid. Stir in sugar while the tea is still warm, until dissolved.
3. Chill
   Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Serve
   Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Adjust the sugar to taste — karkade is meant to stay pleasantly tart.