Sudanese Karkadeh Drink
Karkadeh is a vibrant, ruby-red hibiscus tea deeply ingrained in Sudanese culture. It's known for its tart, refreshing flavor and is often served sweetened, sometimes with a hint of mint or ginger. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried hibiscus flowers (Karkadeh)
- 8 cups Water
- 1 cup Sugar(or to taste)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves(optional)
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger(peeled and sliced, optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold water to remove any dust.
💡 Tip: This step is important for a cleaner taste. - 2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed hibiscus flowers, water, and optional ginger slices.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Simmering extracts the color and flavor from the hibiscus. - 4
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. If using mint, add it now.
💡 Tip: Adjust sugar quantity based on your preference. - 5
Cover the pot and let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired color and flavor intensity. For a stronger flavor, you can let it steep longer or even overnight in the refrigerator.
💡 Tip: Steeping time significantly impacts the tartness and color. - 6
Strain the karkadeh through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, discarding the hibiscus flowers and ginger. If you added mint, you can strain it out or leave it in.
💡 Tip: Press down on the solids to extract maximum liquid. - 7
Chill the karkadeh in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve cold over ice.
💡 Tip: Karkadeh can also be served warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or omit it entirely.
- ✓Karkadeh is traditionally made by first soaking the hibiscus flowers in cold water overnight, then straining and sweetening. This method yields a less bitter taste.
- ✓A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can add an extra layer of brightness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a cinnamon stick during the simmering process for a warm spice note.
- Blend a small amount of fresh fruit like berries into the strained karkadeh for a fruity twist.