Lemon Hibiscus Tonic

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups lemon juice
2 Cups water
2 Cups ice cubes
1 Tbsp Hibiscus Simple Syrup (instructions below)
1 Tbsp Lemon Simple Syrup (instructions below)
Sparkling wine to taste (optional)

Hibiscus Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup water
1 Tbsp Hibiscus powder

Lemon Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup water
1-1/2 Tbsp Lemon Zest

STEPS

Make the Hibiscus Simple Syrup – Combine Hibiscus powder, water and sugar in a heavy saucepan and heat, stirring until hibiscus and sugar are dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil, then turn heat down and simmer 10 min. Mixture will reduce slightly and become a little syrupy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. (Syrup can be made up to a week ahead of time. Keep in a sealable container in the refrigerator until ready for use).

Make the Lemon Simple Syrup – Combine lemon zest and sugar in a heavy saucepan and heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil, then turn heat down and simmer 10 min. Remove from heat, strain out lemon zest pieces, and allow to cool completely. (Syrup can be made up to a week ahead of time. Keep in a sealable container in the refrigerator until ready for use).

Assemble the drinks – Pour the lemon juice, water and ice cubes into a tall drink pitcher. Add the Hibiscus and Lemon simple syrups, and, using a long-handled spoon, stir to just combine. Top up with sparkling wine, if desired.

Serve immediately.