I was in Minnesota just last month with Chris Ann. She picked me up from the airport and whisked me a way to Barbette for a little lunch and catch up time before we started our working weekend. The week before, I had seen a bunch of tweets going out on twitter from the Minnesota bloggers about Hibiscus Happiness or Hot Hibby….some drink they had all shared at Barbette.
I have to admit, I was a bit envious. Not only were they sharing this bit of happiness with my bff, but it sounded delicious! As soon as we sat down, Chris Ann placed the order for Hibiscus Happiness.
It arrived hot and fragrant. It was a deep claret color and a star anise floated on top. One sip in, I knew this was going to be a great weekend!
I came back to Baltimore and described this libation to Devon. We decided to recreate it for Christmas. We made a “Tim the Toolman” size batch and ladled them into big glass jars to give as gifts. It was a hit at every table.
This is a great beverage to enjoy all by itself…my kids can attest! But, with an added shot of Cointreau, it will leave any adult with a smile on their face.
Hot Hibiscus Happiness Recipe
by Kristin and Devon Potler
9 cups of water
6 hibiscus tea bags (We found these at a Latin Market.)
1/3-1/2 C sugar (sweeten to taste)
1 tsp cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp pure orange extract
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cardamom pods
orange slices
star anise
Bring all ingredients to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with a slice of orange and a star anise. For added happiness, add 1 oz of Cointreau to each cup before serving!
