️ Beetroots hibiscus drink/ juice
⚖️ Beetroots hibiscus drink/ juice is a easy International recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by MaaFii's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $15.03 total, $3.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Hibiscus Flowers (rinsed thoroughly with salt and vinegar, then rinsed under cold running water)
- 4 cups Water (boiled, then cooled to warm temperature for color extraction)
- 1 cup Beetroot Juice (freshly extracted or store‑bought, no added sugar)
- 2 cups Mixed Fresh Fruit Juice (blend of seasonal fruits (e.g., orange, pineapple, apple); used as natural sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
- ½ teaspoon Clove (Ground) (referred to as "grain of salam" in the video)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt (used in washing hibiscus to remove impurities)
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar (mixed with salt for washing hibiscus)
Instructions
Wash Hibiscus Flowers
Place the dried hibiscus flowers in a large bowl, add ¼ tsp salt and 1 tbsp white vinegar, then gently stir with cold water for about 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residue.
Time: PT2M
Boil Water for Extraction
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes until warm (not hot).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Extract Hibiscus Color
Pour the warm water over the cleaned hibiscus flowers in the bowl. Stir gently and let steep for 5 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pitcher.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Fresh Fruit & Beetroot Juices
Using a juicer or blender, extract 1 cup beetroot juice and 2 cups mixed fruit juice (e.g., orange, pineapple, apple). If using a blender, blend the fruit with a splash of water and then strain.
Time: PT5M
Add Spices and Ginger
Grate 1 tsp fresh ginger and add it to the hibiscus‑water mixture along with ½ tsp ground clove (grain of salam). Stir well.
Time: PT2M
Combine All Liquids
Pour the beetroot juice and mixed fruit juice into the hibiscus‑spice base. Stir gently until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more fruit juice if needed.
Time: PT2M
Chill and Serve
Transfer the finished drink to a serving pitcher, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then serve over ice.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Hibiscus Flowers: Dried Roselle petals, Dried cranberry stems
- Instead of Water: Filtered water
- Instead of Beetroot Juice: Carrot juice, Pomegranate juice
- Instead of Mixed Fresh Fruit Juice: Store‑bought 100% fruit juice, Coconut water
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp), Lemon zest
- Instead of Clove (Ground): Allspice, Cardamom (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
Equipment Needed
- Large Bowl
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Saucepan
- Juicer or Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (optional)
- Stirring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Washing hibiscus flowers with cold water, salt, and vinegar to remove impurities without losing color.
- Using warm (not boiling) water to extract hibiscus color while preserving delicate pigments.
- Balancing the natural tartness of hibiscus with fresh fruit and beetroot juices for sweetness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra sparkle, add a splash of sparkling water just before serving.
- A pinch of sea salt enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- If you like a floral aroma, add a few fresh mint leaves during the steeping step.
Troubleshooting
The drink looks too tart or bitter.
Add more fresh fruit juice or a splash of natural sweetener such as agave syrup. Taste and adjust gradually.
The color is pale.
Steep the hibiscus longer or use hotter (but not boiling) water. You can also increase the amount of hibiscus flowers.
Separation occurs after chilling.
Give the drink a quick stir or blend briefly before serving. Adding a small amount of natural pectin (e.g., a pinch of chia seeds) can help keep it emulsified.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed pitcher for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may separate.
Room temperature: Can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours on a hot day, then refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak cleaned hibiscus flowers in cold water overnight; strain in the morning for a deeper color.
- Prepare the hibiscus‑water base ahead of time and store it in the fridge; add fresh fruit and beetroot juices just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hibiscus drink in traditional African and Caribbean cuisines?
Hibiscus tea, known as "karkade" in Egypt, "sobolo" in West Africa, and "agua de jamaica" in the Caribbean, has been enjoyed for centuries as a refreshing, medicinal beverage. It is traditionally served cold during celebrations and is prized for its deep red color and health‑boosting properties.
What are the traditional regional variations of hibiscus drink in West African cuisine?
In West Africa, hibiscus drink is often sweetened with sugar, flavored with ginger, cloves, and sometimes pineapple or orange juice. Some regions add mint or basil for extra freshness, while others ferment it slightly to create a mildly alcoholic punch.
How is hibiscus drink traditionally served in Caribbean culture?
Caribbean households serve hibiscus drink chilled over ice, sometimes topped with a splash of rum for festive occasions. It is commonly garnished with a slice of lime or a sprig of mint and enjoyed as a thirst‑quenching refresher during hot weather.
What occasions or celebrations is hibiscus drink traditionally associated with in African cultures?
Hibiscus drink is popular at weddings, birthdays, and religious festivals such as Eid and Christmas in many African countries. Its vibrant color symbolizes joy and prosperity, making it a staple at communal gatherings.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for hibiscus drink versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include dried hibiscus calyces, water, sugar or natural fruit sweeteners, and spices like ginger and cloves. Acceptable substitutes are dried roselle petals for hibiscus, honey or agave for sugar, and ground cinnamon or cardamom in place of cloves.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hibiscus fruit & beetroot drink at home?
Common mistakes include washing hibiscus with hot water (which leaches color), over‑steeping which can make the drink overly bitter, and adding too much fruit juice which masks the hibiscus flavor. Follow the cold‑water wash and short steeping times for best results.
Why does this hibiscus drink recipe use warm boiled water instead of boiling the hibiscus directly?
Warm water extracts the vivid red pigments without breaking down the delicate floral compounds that can become bitter when boiled. Boiling the hibiscus directly can also cause the color to fade and produce a harsher taste.
Can I make hibiscus fruit & beetroot drink ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the hibiscus‑water base a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Add the fresh fruit and beetroot juices just before serving. Store the finished drink in the fridge for up to 4 days; stir before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the hibiscus drink is done?
The drink should have a deep ruby‑red hue with a smooth, slightly viscous mouthfeel from the beetroot. It should be bright, fragrant, and free of large flower fragments; a quick strain ensures a clean appearance.
What does the YouTube channel MaaFii's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel MaaFii's Kitchen focuses on healthy, home‑cooked meals and natural beverage recipes, emphasizing wellness benefits, easy preparation, and culturally diverse flavors.
How does the YouTube channel MaaFii's Kitchen's approach to hibiscus‑based drinks differ from other health‑drink channels?
MaaFii's Kitchen highlights the use of fresh fruit and vegetable juices (like beetroot) as natural sweeteners and nutrient boosters, while also stressing safe preparation methods such as cold‑water washing and avoiding medication interactions—details often omitted by other channels.
Last updated: September 3, 2026








