When I think about ice cold hibiscus juice, or karkade, I immediately think about the Turkish bath. After the sauna, steam, and hot water, they hand you the coldest glass of karkade, and honestly, I always drink more than I probably should. One glass turns into two, then three… and at that point, I overdo it.

The best part? This beautiful deep red drink is so easy to make at home. All you need is dried hibiscus leaves, sugar, and water. Boil it, steep it, strain it, chill it, and serve it over ice.

It’s refreshing, tart, slightly sweet, and perfect for hot days when you want something cold that feels a little more special than plain water.

What Is Karkade?

Karkade is a hibiscus drink made from dried hibiscus leaves. It is popular in many Middle Eastern and North African homes and can be served hot or cold. In my house, I usually think of it as hibiscus juice because we drink it cold, sweetened, and poured over ice.

You may also see it called hibiscus tea, iced hibiscus tea, hibiscus juice, karkade, karkadeh, Arabic hibiscus drink, or Middle Eastern hibiscus drink.

No matter what you call it, the method is simple: dried hibiscus leaves are boiled, steeped, strained, chilled, and served ice cold.

Why You’ll Love This Ice Cold Hibiscus Juice

This karkade recipe is one of those drinks that looks beautiful but takes very little effort.

You’ll love it because it is made with only three ingredients, naturally caffeine-free, refreshing, tart, and easy to make ahead. It also has the most beautiful deep red color, which makes it perfect for serving in a pitcher for guests, Ramadan, summer lunches, or hot afternoons at home.

It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a batch ahead of time and pour yourself a glass whenever you want something cold and refreshing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dried Hibiscus Leaves

This is the main ingredient. Dried hibiscus gives the drink its deep red color and tart flavor.

Sugar

I use ½ cup of sugar for 2 liters of water. You can adjust this depending on how sweet or tart you like your karkade.

Water

You’ll need 2 liters of water. The hibiscus leaves boil and steep in the water, creating a strong, flavorful drink.

Ice

This drink is best served very cold, over plenty of ice.

How to Make Ice Cold Hibiscus Juice

Step 1: Add Water and Sugar to a Pot

Add 2 liters of water and ½ cup sugar to a medium pot. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Add the Dried Hibiscus Leaves

Add 1 cup of dried hibiscus leaves to the pot and stir.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for about 5 minutes. The water will quickly turn a beautiful deep red color.

Step 4: Steep the Hibiscus

Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the hibiscus steep for 30 minutes. This gives the drink a stronger flavor and richer color.

Step 5: Strain

Strain the hibiscus leaves from the liquid. You want a smooth drink without any leaves left behind.

Step 6: Chill

Let the hibiscus juice cool, then transfer it to your favorite pitcher and refrigerate until fully chilled.

Step 7: Serve Over Ice

Pour the cold karkade over plenty of ice and serve.

Image placement:
Insert image: finished ice cold hibiscus juice served over ice

Potential Benefits of Hibiscus

Hibiscus is known for its deep red color, tart flavor, and antioxidant content. It is also naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a great option when you want a refreshing drink without coffee or black tea.

Hibiscus has been studied for its potential role in supporting heart health, especially blood pressure. Some research suggests hibiscus may help reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but it should still be treated as a drink, not as medicine or a replacement for medical advice.

I like to think of karkade first as a refreshing homemade drink. It’s cold, tart, beautiful, and so easy to make. Any potential benefits are just a bonus.

Note: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have low blood pressure, or take blood pressure medication, check with your doctor before drinking hibiscus regularly. Hibiscus may not be suitable for everyone.

Pro Tips for the Best Karkade

Adjust the Sugar to Your Taste

This recipe uses ½ cup sugar, but hibiscus is naturally tart. If you like it sweeter, you can add more sugar while the drink is still warm. If you like it more tart, start with less.

Let It Steep Covered

Covering the pot while the hibiscus steeps helps hold in the flavor and color.

Chill It Fully

Karkade tastes best when it is very cold. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you have time.

Serve With Lots of Ice

The colder, the better. This is one of those drinks that really needs ice.

Make It Ahead

This is a great make-ahead drink for guests, Ramadan, summer lunches, or keeping in the fridge during hot weather.

Use a Clear Pitcher or Glass

The color is part of what makes this drink so pretty. If you are serving it to guests, pour it into a clear pitcher or clear glasses so you can see that deep red color.

FAQ

Is karkade the same as hibiscus tea?

Yes. Karkade is a hibiscus drink made from dried hibiscus leaves. It is often called hibiscus tea, but when served cold and sweetened, many people also call it hibiscus juice.

Can you drink hibiscus juice cold?

Yes. This recipe is made specifically to be served cold over ice. You boil and steep the hibiscus first, then strain it, chill it, and serve it ice cold.

How long does karkade last in the fridge?

Karkade usually keeps well in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days in a covered pitcher or bottle.

Can I make karkade without sugar?

Yes. You can make it without sugar, or you can sweeten it lightly after steeping. Keep in mind that hibiscus is naturally tart, so unsweetened karkade will have a stronger sour flavor.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, but add honey after the hibiscus has steeped and cooled slightly. Honey mixes better when the liquid is warm, not boiling hot.

Do you serve karkade hot or cold?

You can serve karkade hot or cold, but this recipe is for ice cold hibiscus juice. It is especially refreshing in warm weather.

Is hibiscus caffeine-free?

Yes, hibiscus is naturally caffeine-free.

Is hibiscus juice sweet?

It can be as sweet or as tart as you like. This recipe uses ½ cup sugar for 2 liters of water, which gives it a lightly sweet flavor while still keeping that tart hibiscus taste.

You May Also Like

Check out my Saffron Milk Pudding for an easy make-ahead dessert.
Try my Easy Banana Pudding for another chilled recipe that’s perfect for guests.
Make my Date Latte if you want another sweet drink idea.
Try my Zaatar & Halloumi French Toast Muffins for an easy make-ahead breakfast.

🎥 Watch How to Make It

Print Recipe

Ice Cold Hibiscus Juice {Karkade}

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Steep Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried hibiscus leaves
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 liters water
• Ice for serving

Instructions

• Add 2 liters of water to a medium pot.
• Add ½ cup sugar to the water.
• Stir the water and sugar together until the sugar starts to dissolve.
• Add 1 cup dried hibiscus leaves to the pot.
• Stir the hibiscus leaves into the water and sugar mixture.
• Place the pot over medium heat.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once it starts boiling, let it boil for about 5 minutes. The water should turn a deep red color.
• Turn off the heat.
• Cover the pot with a lid.
• Let the hibiscus steep for 30 minutes. This helps the flavor and color become stronger.
• After 30 minutes, strain the hibiscus leaves from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer.
• Discard the hibiscus leaves.
• Let the hibiscus juice cool slightly.
• Transfer the hibiscus juice to a pitcher.
• Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled.
• When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice.
• Pour the cold hibiscus juice over the ice.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

• Adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tart you like your karkade.
• For a stronger flavor, let the hibiscus steep a little longer before straining.
• Store in a covered pitcher or bottle in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
• Hibiscus is naturally tart, so taste and adjust before serving.
• Serve with lots of ice for the best flavor.
• You can serve this drink hot, but this recipe is written for ice cold hibiscus juice.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have low blood pressure, or take blood pressure medication, check with your doctor before drinking hibiscus regularly.