Good for your health and tastes good too.

The Egyptian Cold Beverage - 'Karkadeeh' – or Hibiscus (Red Tea)

It's light and refreshing, a super healthy flower drink

This brilliant red tea, brewed from dried hibiscus blossoms (Hibiscus sabdariffa), is a great treat for jaded palates. It is sweet, tart, mysteriously fruity and - as an added bonus - it packs a high dose of vitamin C. This drink is used extensively here in Egypt to lower high blood pressure.

The dried hibiscus blossoms you need for this drink are available in the many of the shops and speciality herb shops, where they are sold by weight or in pre-packed plastic bags. (Hibiscus Tea) 

1.       Soak hibiscus petals in a pot of hot water for 1 hour.

2.       Bring the water with the flowers to a boil.

3.       Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour.

4.       Stir in the sugar, strain into a pitcher, and refrigerate for 4 hours. Serve cold over ice, with lime wedges for garnish.

Quick Tips:

Traditionally, karkadeeh is served ice-cold, but it is also pleasant when served hot.

Four or five slices of fresh ginger mixed in with the flowers make a delicious addition.

When serving the cold tea try mixing with grape juice.

Or try adding one-third orange juice, one-third champagne, and one-third Hibiscus!  Just the thought of it brings your blood pressure down!