Flower Punch Recipe

Steep

Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan or kettle. Remove from heat and add 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 1 cup hibiscus tea). Cover and steep for 10–12 minutes until deep magenta and aromatic.

Strain the hibiscus liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pitcher, pressing gently on solids to extract flavor. Discard solids. Allow concentrate to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) or place in refrigerator to speed cooling.

While the hibiscus concentrate is still slightly warm (or cooled if using honey), whisk in 1/2 cup honey or simple syrup until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity — add up to 2 tablespoons more honey/simple syrup or 1–2 tablespoons more lemon/lime juice as desired.

Pour the sweetened hibiscus concentrate into a large pitcher. Add 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and 1 cup pineapple juice. Stir to combine.

Add 1 cup (optional) light rum or vodka and 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur if making an alcoholic version; otherwise omit. Stir gently.

Add the thinly sliced orange and 3/4 cup pineapple chunks to the pitcher along with the bruised mint leaves. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2–4 hours, to allow the flavors to marry and fruit to infuse.

About 10 minutes before serving, add 2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda to the punch and gently stir to combine so it retains effervescence. If you refrigerated with alcohol, remove the pitcher from the fridge and taste again for balance.

Fill a large punch bowl or individual glasses with ice (use the suggested 6 cups of ice). Pour the punch over the ice, making sure some fruit slices and mint get into each glass. Garnish with additional mint sprigs and 1–2 teaspoons edible flower petals per glass for a floral presentation.

Serve immediately. Leftover non-carbonated punch can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours (add sparkling water fresh when serving).