Honey-Hibiscus Orange Punch

Honey-Hibiscus Orange Punch

YIELD: Makes 5 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cups - boiling water

1/2 cup - dried hibiscus blossoms, or hibiscus tea

1 1/4 cup - Orange Blossom Honey Syrup, (recipe follows)

1 cup - orange juice, fresh squeezed

2 1/2 cups - cold water

ice cubes, for serving

1 bunch - mint leaves, fresh

orange peel, for garnish

For Orange Blossom Honey Syrup:

1 cup - orange blossom honey

1/4 cup - hot water

DIRECTIONS

Pour boiling water over the hibiscus, cover and allow to steep for 30 minutes. During this time, make the orange blossom honey syrup: in a small saucepan, slowly bring honey and water to a boil. Remove from the heat and allow to cool (this can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until use). Strain the hibiscus tea base into a 2-quart pitcher; add the orange blossom honey syrup, orange juice and cold water; stir until dissolved.

To serve: Pour 10 ounces of the punch into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes and 2 to 3 mint leaves; close tightly and shake. Pour into a tall glass; garnish with orange peel and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.

To view this recipe demonstration by Chef Guas, click here.

Recipe Courtesy of Chef David Guas, Owner of Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington, VA.