Karkadeeh is a hibiscus drink and Egyptians usually serve it iced and with sugar. It can be served hot too, in both cases, we drink if off a clear glass. It is the most common drink in the month of Ramadan. It is dark red and known to bring down the blood pressure whether that an Egyptian myth or a scientific fact. One of the best places to drink the Karkadeeh in Cairo is El Fishway coffee shop. This coffee shop is one of the most famous sites right after the pyramids 🙂 If you ever visit Egypt, you have to go there. You can order their awesome karkadeeh or their legendary sahlab that I will add a recipe for soon. Karkadeeh is served in clear glass and poured from a teapot or jug, it can be served hot or cold. However I love it iced!

Ingredients

2 cups of hibiscus flowers
8 cups of water
sugar to taste but I tend to put a lot

There are 2 ways to prepare karkadeeh, I tried both and both end up with very tasty karkadeeh:
1. Add the flowers in the water and leave it overnight, then strain it and add the sugar.
OR
2. Bring water to boil, add the hibiscus and cover for 10 to15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool down for a few hours, strain then add sugar.

In both cases, let them cool down in the fridge to be served cold.