Cocktails with Hibiscus (sorrel) liqueur
Hibiscus liqueur is a floral liqueur flavored with the deep-red calyces of the hibiscus (sorrel) flower.
ABVaround 20%
Substitutes for Hibiscus (sorrel) liqueur
Hibiscus brings color, a cranberry sharpness and a floral edge. The first two are easy to reproduce; the third is not.
Often confused with
Hibiscus syrup
Flower and color arrive without the alcohol, and sweeter. The measure holds; the strength has to come from elsewhere. Make the strength up with neutral spirit roughly on par with the syrup, or the drink comes out long and sweet.
Cranberry juice
It matches the color and the tartness and misses the floral edge: it lengthens the drink rather than sweetening it, so the sugar comes back separately.
Storage
Hibiscus color is anthocyanin, so it responds to acid and to time: the red pales as the bottle ages, and it will pale further in a drink that is not acidic. Refrigerate after opening if the color matters to the drink.
