Cocktail of the Month: Sparkling Hibiscus
By • December 11, 2024 0 304
“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening.”
So goes the opening to the classic holiday tune “Winter Wonderland.” Across the U.S.A. and Europe, Christmastime and winter go hand in hand. That’s why so many holiday jingles feature frosty weather.
Images of warming up next to the fire with a toasty glass of mulled wine, or opening gifts while sipping on some velvety eggnog, conjure up cheerful and festive thoughts.
But what if the December holidays were to fall in the middle of summer?
In the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed, more than 25 million Australians celebrate the Nativity season on a day that would be equivalent to June 25 in North America.
“It’s interesting how Christmas is always represented as snow and cool temps,” says Australian Ellen Haskett Wilson. “While not super traditional, Christmas in Australia is super fun. We have warm temps, so families are outdoors having fun, eating outside, playing in the pool, having water fights, playing cricket … it’s a different experience.”
In the Land Down Under, the only “white” Christmas you’ll find is the sand on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where Santa can ditch the fur coat and boots for board shorts and flip-flops. Temperatures usually hover above 80 degrees.
“People who live near the coast celebrate on the beach,” says Aussie Kim McKeen. You’ve probably heard the phrase “shrimp on the barbie,” but I bet you didn’t know it’s a common holiday dinner in Oz. “There’s a big seafood market in Sydney and people flood there to buy their Christmas dinner,” says Kim. “People load up their coolers with beer and wine and have barbecues on the beach.”
In summer weather, spreading cheer with rich creamy cocktails and hot toddies can be rather unappealing. An Aussie Xmas calls for more climate-appropriate options.
Rather than heavy liquors like whiskey or cognac, think light and bright, like vodka or gin. Instead of spice-laden wine drinks like wassail, think of sunny concoctions like sangria and sparkling cocktails.
“For the girls, I think gin and Champagne cocktails are a thing. Also, there’s a growing interest in home-infused liquors,” says a former bar and restaurant owner from Australia, now living in Bali. “Usually I did Champagne with hibiscus flowers.”
Hibiscus blooms are edible and add a striking garnish to a cocktail. “You can buy them in a jar from boutique delicatessens,” she says. “When you put the flowers in drinks, they open up.” Hibiscus, which has a cranberry-like sweetness and earthy notes, is also used to make flavored tea and syrups.
Champagne cocktails are a sophisticated option for any hemisphere. Their merry essence is an ideal fit with all festive occasions — whether it’s catching up with kin at a family gathering, a convivial work function or a jovial gala with friends.
With its deep scarlet hue, hibiscus adds a jolly visual appeal to a sparkling cocktail. You can buy hibiscus syrup online or easily make it at home. First, make a pot of hibiscus tea, either using dried flowers or prepared teabags. Bring two cups of tea and sugar to a boil on the stove and let steep for 30 minutes. For a more complex flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick, a one-inch piece of peeled ginger or a teaspoon of vanilla.
Mixed with sparkling wine, the crimson syrup will add a tart and tangy richness while imparting a lively color. Garnish with a whole hibiscus flower for an Instagram-worthy concoction. Blazing and bubbly, this tipple will make your spirits glow.
P.S. If you want to start the festivities early, remember that Sydney is 16 hours ahead of Washington.
Sparkling Hibiscus Cocktail
Chilled Champagne, prosecco or other sparkling wine
1 teaspoon hibiscus syrup
Hibiscus flower
Add the flower and the syrup to a champagne flute. Slowly pour your bubbly into the glass. If you don’t have hibiscus flowers, consider garnishing with fresh cranberries or raspberries.
