Egyptian karkadeh — the ruby-red hibiscus drink

Karkadeh (pronounced kar-ka-deh) is one of the best-loved drinks of Egypt and Sudan, prepared from dried hibiscus flowers. It has a deep ruby colour and a refreshing, slightly tart taste, and is drunk hot as a tea in winter, while in summer it is served cold with ice cubes. It is easy to prepare at home with few ingredients.

Ingredients (for about 1 litre / 4–5 glasses)

• 50 g dried hibiscus flowers (karkade)
• 1 litre water
• 80–120 g sugar (to taste)
• 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Ice cubes, for serving cold

Preparation steps

1. Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers quickly under cold water to remove dust.
2. Boil the water in a pot, remove it from the heat and add the hibiscus flowers.
3. Leave them to steep for 15–20 minutes, until the water takes on a deep ruby colour.
4. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
5. Serve hot immediately, or leave it to cool and store it in the refrigerator; serve with ice cubes, lemon slices and mint leaves.

Preparation time: 10 minutes + 20 minutes resting. Servings: 4–5 glasses.