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Royal Roselle Fizz

Juneteenth Royal Roselle Fizz Recipe
Photo by Alexa Rivera

A Red Drink is a classic Juneteenth libation, whether it’s tropical punch Kool-Aid, strawberry soda, or this savory-sweet hibiscus and vermouth cocktail from Shyretha Sheats, half of the husband-and-wife duo behind beloved Athens, Georgia pop-up The Plate Sale.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1

Ingredients

Tea

1 cup dried hibiscus flowers, rinsed
10 dried bay leaves

Simple Syrup

2 cups raw sugar
10 dried bay leaves

Cocktail

1 oz. sweet vermouth
½ oz. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. pickle brine
Dry sparkling wine (for serving)
Bay leaves (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Tea

    Step 1

    Combine hibiscus flowers and bay leaves in a small bowl. Bring 5 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan and pour over hibiscus flowers and bay leaves to cover. Let sit 8 hours (overnight works well), then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring glass or small bowl; discard solids. Cover and chill tea until cold, at least 1 hour.

    Do ahead: Tea can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.

  2. Simple Syrup

    Step 2

    Bring raw sugar, bay leaves, and 2 cups water to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Step 3

    Strain simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring glass or small bowl; discard bay leaves. Cover and chill until cold, at least 1 hour.

    Do ahead: Simple syrup can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.

  3. Cocktail 

    Step 4

    Stir vermouth, lime juice, pickle brine, bitters, 2 oz. hibiscus tea, and ½ oz. simple syrup in a glass to combine. Add ice to fill and top off with sparkling wine. Garnish with bay leaves.

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