Alyssa Holder is a contributing food and travel writer
In this floral gin-based drink, fresh lime juice and orchid contrasts the infused hibiscus rosemary syrup beautifully, both visually and on the palate.
Adding edible flowers to drinks is guaranteed to transform them from boring to extraordinary. Some favorites are lavender, rose, hibiscus and orchid. Not only do they make cocktails beautiful, they add a subtle floral flavor that makes the drinks taste as good as they look, like for instance the Summer Sunset, from Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
In this floral gin-based drink, fresh lime juice and orchid contrasts the infused hibiscus rosemary syrup beautifully, both visually and on the palate. “The Summer Sunset features edible flowers specifically an orchid that is emulsified with water and sugar to complement a gin infusion with an edible flower garnish. Hibiscus adds a refreshing flavor while a lavender stalk adds height and the purple hues in the flowers make the color really pop. Not only is this cocktail striking, it stimulates all the senses.” says Janluis Delgado, F&B, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
Whether you want to impress guests at a summer soirée or you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier than a Spritz while enjoying the summer on your patio, the Summer Sunset is the way to go. See below for the recipe.
PrintSummer Sunset: Cocktail With Edible Flowers
- Author: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
Ingredients
For the hibiscus-rosemary syrup:
- 2 hibiscus tea bags
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, divided
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) sugar
For the cocktail:
- 1oz Gin
- 1oz Infused Hibiscus Rosemary Syrup
- .25 Fresh Lime Juice
Instructions
For the Hibiscus-Rosemary Syrup:
- Steep tea bags and 1 rosemary sprig in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Strain into a heatproof container with a tight-fitting lid, then add sugar and stir or shake until dissolved. Let cool, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
For the cocktail:
- Combine the hibiscus and rosemary in a pot while adding water and sugar.
- Bring to a boil for about 2 min then allow to cool.
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
- Strain out ice.
- Shake again for approximately 30 seconds to further emulsify ingredients.
- Double strain into a glass.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Alyssa Holder is a contributing food and travel writer