Karkadeh (Sudanese Hibiscus Drink)
Local name: كركدي
In short: Dried hibiscus steeped with ginger and cinnamon, sweetened and served ice cold. A deep red, tart Sudanese drink for Ramadan and hot days. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 2 h 30 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 80 kcal
Karkadeh is the deep ruby drink made from dried hibiscus calyces, tart like cranberry and sweetened to taste. In Sudan it is a drink of hospitality, poured for guests, at weddings and on the Ramadan table to break the fast. A little ginger and cinnamon round out the flavor, and it needs only minutes of active work.
Instructions
- Rinse the hibiscus calyces briefly in a sieve under cold water to remove any dust.
- Bring the water, cinnamon, cloves and ginger to a boil in a pot. Remove from the heat and add the hibiscus.
- Cover and steep for 30 minutes, until the liquid is a deep, dark red.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a jug, pressing the calyces lightly. Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then taste and add more sugar or a splash of water if you like.
- Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with mint or lemon slices.
Tips
- Do not boil the hibiscus for long. A hard boil makes the drink bitter and harsh, while steeping in just-boiled water keeps it bright and fruity.
- For a strong concentrate, use the same amount of calyces in 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) of water, then dilute to taste with cold water and ice. It keeps for 5 days in the fridge.
Questions and answers
What does karkadeh taste like?
Tart and fruity, a bit like cranberry or sour cherry, with a clean, slightly floral finish. Sugar and warm spices soften the sharpness.
Can I serve karkadeh warm?
Yes. Many people drink it hot in cool weather or after meals. Reheat gently without boiling and adjust the sugar to taste.
Is karkadeh safe to drink every day?
In normal amounts, yes for most adults. Hibiscus can lower blood pressure, so check with a doctor if you take medication for it or are pregnant.
How long does it take to make Karkadeh (Sudanese Hibiscus Drink)?
About 20 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Karkadeh (Sudanese Hibiscus Drink)?
About 80 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 80 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
