Starting off the year with a dry January can be challenging if you keep alcohol as a close friend. Luckily, FIND WUNDER provides a delicious alternative that keeps you lifted and pairs well with many different ingredients to create a refreshing mocktail.
This recipe features fresh-pressed juices, thyme syrup, and your choice of FIND WUNDER Grapefruit Hibiscus Sessions or Higher Vibes.
FIND WUNDER Grapefruit Hibiscus – Makes a single 9 oz. serving
In a 9 oz. glass, combine:
- 4 oz. of FIND WUNDER Grapefruit Hibiscus 5mg or 10mg
- 1 oz. Cold-pressed pineapple juice
- 2 oz. Cold-pressed orange juice
- 1 oz. Cold-pressed lemon juice
- 1 oz. Thyme syrup
- All ingredients to a shaker and shake, or a 9 oz. glass and stir.
Homemade Thyme Syrup – Makes up to 4 servings
- 8 oz. of water
- 1/4 cup culinary-grade fresh thyme
- 2 cups of organic cane sugar (or sugar if their choosing)
Combine water and thyme in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a slow simmer, add sugar, and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a glass jar with a lid and store for up to 2 weeks.
What Are the Benefits of Hibiscus?
Hibiscus is more than just a beautiful, tart note in the Grapefruit Hibiscus Spritz. You sip it for the flavor, but these are the benefits that will make you want to sip it for wellness too:
Relieves Stress
Hibiscus carries antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C that soften the edges of stress, especially oxidative stress linked to chronic diseases. This is backed by National Library of Medicine research, particularly on Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Whenever you’re feeling the tension, this deep crimson bloom can alleviate the strain and calm your nerves.
Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
When your blood pressure is up, hibiscus may just turn it down. The same research from the National Library of Medicine also shared meta-analyses showing that hibiscus can lower systolic blood pressure by around 2.13 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.10 mmHg, even more so when levels are elevated. It relaxes your blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely around your body.
Nurtures Heart Health
Hibiscus can be a natural maintenance for your cardiovascular system. Another study published in the National Library of Medicine suggests it can help lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while supporting healthy HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels. With these effects, it decreases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Supports Liver Function and Metabolism
Consuming hibiscus may just support your digestion and prevent you from getting a fatty liver. ScienceDirect indicates hibiscus can reduce fat buildup in the liver and support more efficient metabolism. Rather than a quick fix, it’s more like a quiet reinforcement that helps your liver process, filter, and reset.
What Food Pairs Well With a Grapefruit Hibiscus Spritz?
So you already have your Grapefruit Hibiscus Spritz. Now, you need good food to match your tasty drink. Choose from these dishes that either echo its citrus lift or soften its sharpness:
Fresh Seafood
The brine of fresh seafood like shrimp or ceviche complements the citrus tang of the spritz, making the whole culinary experience feel almost coastal. The grapefruit cuts through the richness of raw fish or crustaceans, while the hibiscus blends well with chili-lime or herb-forward marinades, which chefs often use in ceviches.
Goat Cheese and Citrus Salad
The sharp, nutty taste of goat cheese softens the spritz’s acidity, providing a creamy balance for the palate. Greens like arugula or endive add a peppery edge, something sommeliers often recommend for citrus-forward drinks. The fresh mix also works well with the hibiscus tartness, merging the leafy crisp with floral vibrance.
Spicy Thai-Style Tacos
The grapefruit cools the spice from the chili or ginger in the tacos, while the spritz’s effervescence resets your palate between bites. Hibiscus also incorporates a subtle floral note that lingers just long enough to round out the heat. Bartenders often point to this match if you prefer bold, street-style flavors.
Herbed Flatbread with Olive Oil
Rosemary, thyme, or even a light fig topping on the flatbread brings out the earthier side of hibiscus. The brightness of grapefruit comes in to lift everything, so the flavors don't taste heavy together. The texture of the bread is chewy and delectable, but the spritz somehow remains the star. This is a tasty treat when you want something simple.
Dark Chocolate Truffles
The spritz also goes well with dessert. The bitterness of the dark chocolate combines with hibiscus’s floral depth, and then the grapefruit cuts through with a bright, almost electric contrast. This pairing is rich and indulgent without being too much for your taste buds.
Other Popular Recipes
If you’re interested in other drink recipes with THC, you can check these out and try blending them yourself:
