June has been all about changes and celebrations: the end of high school for @gregorytlee, the end of my 40s, the long-awaited end of a wild year of driving and discovering nearly ever wifi-enabled coffee shop in a 30 mile radius of my house, and perhaps most importantly -- the beginning of the lazy days of summer.
To celebrate this month of transitions and new beginnings, my friends threw a backyard barbecue, kicking off the festivities with this unique and satisfying hibiscus margarita made with dried hibiscus flowers. The color is just entrancing and I, of course, gave our hosts the third degree about what was in it and how it was prepared.
The vibrant hue is from dried hibiscus flowers (check your local Mexican market to find them), which are then cooked with water and sugar to create the base juice for this beautiful berry-like drink.
As an added bonus, hibiscus (jamaica in Spanish – the J is silent) has natural curative powers including supporting upper respiratory health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. A quick Google search will yield many articles about these healing properties – feel free to draw your own conclusions.
What struck me about the hibiscus was it’s deep, dark, rich berry-like color and the tangy sweet and sour element it added to the drink. The fact that the hibiscus might actually be good for me was just a happy bonus.
The recipe for the drink is from Cooking Light . Our hosts did a fabulous job preparing and serving it.
My month of transitions and celebrations may keep me away from my weekly blog posts for a bit but please follow along in my other social media channels. I will do my best to share whatever yummy and unique food and drinks I discover along the way. And I always love to hear what you are cooking up in the kitchen or discover at your friend's table or favorite restaurant.
Here’s to many lazy luscious days of summer for all of us. See you in a few weeks!
Photos by Gregory Lee on his Canon T5i except for the picture of his graduation cake.
laura
you had me at margarita.... YUM!!
new from SITS! Nice to 'meet' you.
Beth Lee
Nice to meet you too Laura!Loving this SITSSummer - have already met so many great people. If you like margaritas, definitely give this a try. Really refreshing and fun to drink.
Carrie @ poet in the pantry
Cheers to so many life transitions at once--looks like you're doing it with grace and style! What a fabulous drink, too. I've also seen hibiscus flowers in a jar at Fresh Market, if that helps anyone else with sourcing them...
(Visiting from the SITS FB page, BTW...)
Beth Lee
Thanks for a great tip Carrie. So nice to meet you. #SITSSummer has been so fun. Great to meet so many new blogs and faces.
Stephanie Daigneault
This looks really cool!
Modern Gypsy
I love your blog!! So glad I found you through SITSSummer 🙂
Beth Lee
I am so glad you found me too :-). Heading over to see what Modern Gypsy is all about! Come back and share some yummy moments with me ok?
Deb
Dried jamaica is sold in bulk at my favorite fruit stand, yet I have never tried it! I adore the bold color and spicy taste of of your celebratory margarita! Toasting you to a fantastic summer of change!
Beth Lee
thanks Deb - I bet you would love it - a very interesting ingredient to experiment with!
Carol Sacks
Mazel tov on so many important milestones!
Beth Lee
You too! You must be so proud of your Bug!
Hannah
Cheers to you and your family, Beth! It is indeed a festive time of celebrating. What a wonderful cocktail to kick off summer, too. I can't wait to try it! Love the pretty pic of you looking so happy and relaxed. I'm clinking my glass to you and Gregory!
Beth Lee
And right back at you - you must be so proud of Sam. So many emotions at this stage. Truly looking forward to our chance to toast each other in person! Soon I hope.
Lizthechef
What a gorgeous cocktail!
Beth Lee
Thanks Liz - it really is - I was so taken by it - flavor and visual.
@yumivore
So much to celebrate, congratulations to @gregorytlee -- and of course as the party continues wishing you more birthday wishes! And it looks like a fabulous margarita to transition us all into the summer. Cheers Beth!
Beth Lee
Thanks Orly - I think I might have to make a pitcher the next time I make it to CookUp!