Hibiscus flower drink, a cold sweet drink

Hibiscus Flower Drink Kerkede

A sweet drink consumed cold or hot as tea. Kerkede is the name of the drink made from the Hibiscus  Sabdariffa flower in South Sudan. The flower has a ruby red color and slightly sour taste, similar to, but milder, than cranberry. This drink is a refreshing cold drink appropriate for summer days. It contains no caffeine or carbonation. It has some medicinal properties. High in ascorbic acid, it acts as an anti-oxidant. It acts as antihypertensive because of it’s diuretic properties. It is reported to lower cholesterol.  Our ancestors have used it to soothe colds and aching limbs.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa flowers, dried

How to make Hibiscus flower drink or Kerkede

Kerkede drink is simple to make. Soak 1 cup of dry Hibiscus flower in 2 cups  of room temperature water for at least 3 hours. The flower will expand to three times its size as it absorbs water and infuses. Then add 6 cups of water bringing the total to 8 cups of water. Add 1/2 cup of sugar and mix well to desired sweetness. Pour into glasses and serve.