Hibiscus holiday sauce — a short introduction to this piece.
The holidays are my favorite time to bring something from the garden to the table. This Hibiscus Holiday Sauce, made from roselle hibiscus, has completely replaced cranberry sauce at our house. It’s tangy, bright, and full of garden flavor.
What Is Roselle Hibiscus?
Roselle hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a heat-loving plant that thrives in warm climates and produces bright red calyces that can be used in drinks, jams, teas, and sauces. The tart, cranberry-like flavor makes it a perfect homegrown alternative for holiday recipes. If you garden in a hot climate like Arizona, roselle is easy to grow and adds a vibrant, tropical touch to your fall harvest.
A Delicious Way to Use Roselle Hibiscus
Once the calyces are harvested, it’s time to turn them into something special. This simple Hibiscus Holiday Sauce recipe highlights their bright flavor and beautiful color. It is a delicious way to celebrate your garden harvest at the holiday table.
Made with fresh roselle hibiscus, zesty ginger, and juicy oranges, this easy roselle recipe is a bright and flavorful cranberry sauce alternative. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and pairs beautifully with your favorite holiday dishes.
This Hibiscus Holiday Sauce recipe comes together quickly with just a few fresh ingredients. The combination of tart roselle hibiscus, citrus, ginger, and a touch of sweetness creates a vibrant sauce that looks as beautiful as it tastes. It can be served warm or chilled and pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables.
Roselle Hibiscus Holiday Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2-3/4 cup sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.)
- 1 cup fresh hibiscus (seed pods removed)
- 1 cup chopped fruit (pear, apple, mango, or pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- Juice and zest from 1 orange
- Optional: cinnamon, allspice, or jalepeño to taste
Directions
- Combine 1 cup of water and ½ – ¾ cup of sweetener in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add 1 cup of fresh hibiscus (remove the seed pod), and let it simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Next, add 1 cup of chopped fruit—pear, apple, mango, or pineapple.
- Use an immersion blender (if desired) and blend sauce lightly for a smoother consistency.
- Add two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and the zest and juice of 1 orange.
- Optional: add cinnamon, allspice, or jalepeño to taste.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat.
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Pour extra sauce into a glass jar—store sauce in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right roselle. Use freshly harvested calyces with the seed pods removed for the best flavor and color.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Start with less sweetener and add more as the sauce cooks if needed. Honey, sugar, or agave all work well.
- Try different fruits. Pear, apple, mango, or pineapple each give the sauce a slightly different flavor.
- Add a little spice. A pinch of cinnamon, allspice, or a finely chopped jalapeño adds warmth and depth.
- Store for later. Keep extra sauce in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. It tastes even better the next day.
How to use Roselle Hibiscus Holiday Sauce
This versatile Hibiscus Holiday Sauce complements a wide array of dishes. It’s delicious with turkey, roasted or grilled meats, and sweet veggies like squash and sweet potatoes. You can spread it on sandwiches or drizzle it over cakes, pies, and puddings. Try stirring it into yogurt or serving it on a cheese plate. It also makes a tasty topping for toast, muffins, pancakes, or waffles.
Enjoy this recipe on Thanksgiving alongside our favorite sweet potato casserole, and the Pomegranate Jalepeño Cream Cheese Dip Recipe; I think you’ll love them. And no Thanksgiving table is complete without my Make Ahead Sausage and Herb Stuffing—a family favorite for more than 15 years.
I highly recommend trying this recipe if you have a garden full of fresh hibiscus. If you have more roselle to use, check out my Roselle Citrus Tea recipe. The unique flavor really shines in both of these recipes.
Need another cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for the holidays? Blue Cheese Thyme Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion.
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Hibiscus blooms in crimson hue,
A tangy twist, bold and new.
Cranberries take a holiday,
Hibiscus steps in their sway.
Spiced with warmth, a winter’s grace,
A dance of tart, a sweet embrace.
Pour it forth, let flavors sing,
A holiday feast’s new thing.
Your hibiscus dream, bold and bright, paints a feast where flavors unite. A tart embrace, a sweet ode—let the warmth of crimson hues glow!