One Stoic’s “silver lining” replacement for red wine

 

In my talk "A Stoic Grows Old" on my "Stoic Path" series for the Waking Up app, I mention that alcohol had unexpectedly disappeared from my life and that I had concocted a hibiscus beverage to drink in place of wine at dinner.  I have subsequently received requests for the recipe, so I am posting it here.

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Warning: Hibiscus syrup and beverages want to stain anything they come into contact with!  Handle with care!

 

Step 1: acquire hibiscus petals from Amazon:   https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Hibiscus-Flowers-Resealable-Organics/dp/B01CRXFKSO
(Yeah, it’s expensive, but think of the cost of all the wine it replaces!)

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Step 2: make the hibiscus syrup:
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Add 3/4 cup sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Remove from heat and add 1 cup of hibiscus petals.
Let steep for 20 minutes.

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Step 3: filter:
Pour the syrup through a large strainer into a huge measuring cup with a spout (so you don’t splash or dribble it).
Add juice of 2 limes.
Carefully pour from the measuring cup into a dripless carafe.  This one is just the right size and is 100% dripless:   https://www.amazon.com/Artcome-Drip-free-Stainless-Borosilicate-Pitcher/dp/B01HCK6MFC

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Step 4: refrigerate.

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Step 5: serve.
To 1 part syrup add maybe 6 parts of carbonated water.  (Feel free to experiment with the ratio.)  Add ice if desired.

 

Step 6: experience delight!

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