Tropical Hibiscus Cooler
Break out the mini umbrellas for this exotic, rum-optional elixir. For a lighter drink, you can make a spritzer with 2 Tbs. of the hibiscus syrup and 3/4 cup seltzer water. Serve with a straw for stirring.
Recipe by Mark Reinfeld
Serves 6
3 hibiscus tea bags or 2 Tbs. dried hibiscus flower
6–8 tsp. stevia or ½ cup sugar
4 cups pineapple juice
6 oz. white rum, optional
½ cup plus 1 Tbs. light coconut milk
6 fresh pineapple slices, for garnish
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
1. Steep tea bags in 1 1/2 cups boiling water 15 minutes. Strain, and discard tea bags; transfer liquid to saucepan. Stir in sugar, and return liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and boil 15 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half. Transfer to bowl, and place in freezer 10 minutes, or until mixture is syrupy.
2. Fill glasses with ice. Pour 2/3 cup pineapple juice and 1 oz. rum (if using) into each glass. Add 1 1/2 Tbs. coconut milk, and drizzle 2 Tbs. hibiscus syrup over coconut milk. Garnish with pineapple slices and mint sprigs
PER SERVING: 195 cal; 0g pro; 2g total fat (1g sat fat); 45g carb; 0mg chol; 11mg sod; 1g fiber; 38g sugars