Summer’s on the Horizon

With summer quickly approaching, I find myself feeling less interested in Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, and more interested in brighter drinks with summer ingredients. So when The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley offered us a sample of their Sweet Hibiscus blend, it seemed like the perfect way to start a drink celebrating the beginning of summertime.

Developing the Cocktail

Whenever I start working with a new ingredient, I like to think about where it finds itself in local cuisine. That got me thinking of the Caribbean and South America, and made me think of using Tequila in the drink. I tasted the hibiscus blend with a bit of añejo tequila and knew it was a perfect pair. The hibiscus blend is sweet and floral with a slight acidity to it. The añejo tequila brings more weight than its silver counterparts, along with a slightly sweet barrel note to contrast the acidity in the blend. I was very happy with the combination.

I added lime juice for balance and to contrast the sweetness in the blend, but found the cocktail was still a bit on the sweet side, and wasn’t as aromatic as I’d hoped. Thankfully a dash of orange bitters solved both problems, brightening the aroma and masking the sweetness with a touch of bitterness.

Pairs Well with Flip-Flops

If you get the chance to try this Sweet Hibiscus Blend – or if you request a sample using the link below – definitely put this cocktail on your list. I think it’s a great refreshing drink to kick off your summer without being overwhelmingly sweet!