Hibiscus tea (karkade)

Andrey Kolodyazhny, chef of the restaurant "Black Fox", shared the recipe with us.

Cherry-ginger mors is a drink that combines the spicy sharpness of ginger and the refreshing tartness of cherry. Its roots go back to Russian culinary tradition, where mors are famous for their health benefits and rich flavors. The delicate addition of lemon and mint gives the drink lightness, while white and pink pepper adds spicy notes. Honeysuckle and barberry fill the mors with forest tones, while hibiscus completes its rich taste with noble astringency. This mors not only warms in cool weather but also refreshes on hot days, having a tonic effect. It can be served as an independent drink or used in culinary experiments by adding it to cocktails or desserts.

Cherry mors is a true anthem of Russian cuisine, a drink with a rich history that embodies the traditions of folk hospitality. It is known for its bright sweet-and-sour flavor palette, where cherry adds richness and currant and honeysuckle add tartness. Hibiscus gives depth to the drink while ginger adds a spicy note. Lemon refreshes and mint provides lightness. Mors can be served chilled on a hot day or hot for warming in winter. Its health benefits make it not only tasty but also medicinal – rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it refreshes and strengthens the body wonderfully. This drink is perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings, filling them with the aroma of summer and warmth of traditions.

Hibiscus-dyed eggs are an original dish where traditional boiled eggs acquire an unusual hue thanks to the infusion of hibiscus petals. This dyeing method, inspired by ancient natural decorating techniques, allows for deep burgundy and purple shades, giving the dish a festive appearance. The taste of the eggs remains classic but is slightly enhanced by the light tartness of hibiscus. They can be used as decorations for the Easter table or as an original element in appetizers. Eggs dyed this way are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly, as natural dyes are safer than chemical counterparts. A finishing coat of vegetable oil adds shine, highlighting the elegance of their hue.

Roman Volkov, head bartender at JoJo Bar, shared the recipe with us.

A gin-based cocktail is not always a clear gin and tonic. It can be hot, red, and even with hibiscus petals. Surprisingly, the completely non-classical interpretation of grog offered at the Cheretto -More restaurant suddenly turns into a very British tea party, though not without a bit of "wonderfulness" in the spirit of Alice in Wonderland.

Hibiscus-dyed Easter eggs are a simple yet elegant way to give a traditional festive dish an unusual hue. Hibiscus, known for its rich ruby color, imparts a natural pink or burgundy tint to the eggs, creating an elegant and natural decor. In Russia, egg dyeing is an ancient tradition symbolizing rebirth and new life. This method is not only beautiful but also completely natural. Eggs dyed with hibiscus acquire a subtle floral aroma and a slight tartness, looking especially striking on the festive table. This dyeing method is perfect for those who appreciate natural ingredients and want to add a touch of creativity to their Easter preparations.

Winter mint tea is a fragrant drink that warms on cold days. This recipe is inspired by Russian tea traditions, where rich flavors and the health benefits of natural ingredients are valued. Black tea forms a strong base, while ginger adds a spicy kick. Mint and currant leaves bring freshness, creating a harmonious blend. Cardamom and cloves add spicy depth, while hibiscus provides a light tartness. White pepper highlights all the flavors with a subtle spicy note. This tea not only warms but also invigorates, helping to endure the winter chill. It perfectly complements cozy evenings and friendly conversations and pairs wonderfully with honey or citrus fruits. True enjoyment in every cup!

Spiced pear is an exquisite dessert of Italian cuisine that combines rich aromas and delicate textures. The pear, simmered in spiced hibiscus tea with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, takes on a rich flavor with a hint of tartness. The caramel sauce adds velvety sweetness while the airy cream provides tenderness. The finishing touch is raspberry jam that adds fruity freshness and mint leaves that offer a spicy coolness. This dessert is perfect for a romantic dinner or festive gathering, impressing with its sophistication and simplicity of preparation. Inspired by Italian traditions, it transports the taster to cozy cafes on the narrow streets of Rome where each ingredient resonates like a note in a symphony of flavors. A delight worthy of true gourmets!

Hibiscus with raspberry and ginger is a refined refreshing drink that harmoniously combines the sweetness of raspberries, the spicy zest of ginger, and the light tartness of hibiscus. This drink has roots in traditional Eastern cuisine but has gained popularity worldwide due to its vibrant flavor and health benefits. Raspberry syrup adds richness, while sparkling water refreshes and lightens it. Perfect for summer evenings, it not only quenches thirst but also provides a pleasant feeling of freshness. Garnished with slices of ginger, lemon, and orange, this drink will be a true decoration for any table. The sweetness of powdered sugar and the tartness of lime create a balance of flavors, making it truly delightful.

Sudanese Rose tea is a fragrant and exotic delight that carefully preserves the traditions of Arab cuisine. Its base is hibiscus and Chinese rose, known for their rich ruby hue and slight tartness. The addition of fresh raspberries and oranges provides fruity notes, while mint refreshes the taste, making the drink particularly pleasant. Honey and sugar soften the sour tones, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and freshness. This tea not only warms on cold days but also refreshes in summer when served chilled. In Arab countries, it is often used as a tonic drink that awakens energy and vitality. Enjoy its rich flavor and healing properties as it is rich in antioxidants and helps strengthen immunity.

Non-alcoholic mulled wine with hibiscus is a fragrant warming drink that combines rich fruity and spicy notes. Historically, mulled wine is associated with European winter traditions, but its non-alcoholic version with hibiscus offers a fresh take on the classic. Hibiscus gives the drink a rich ruby color and a slight tartness that pairs well with the sweetness of apple juice and honey. Orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves create a warm, spicy bouquet perfect for cozy evenings. This drink is not only pleasant to taste but also beneficial: hibiscus is rich in antioxidants while spices stimulate circulation. It’s best served hot to enjoy its depth of flavor and warming properties – an ideal choice for cold days or heartfelt gatherings.

Eastern tea is a fragrant blend born in the heart of Arab cuisine, where tea-drinking traditions intertwine with the magic of spices. It contains black tea, vibrant hibiscus, dried orange peel, and Eastern spices: cardamom, allspice, and cinnamon. The tea has a deep, rich flavor that combines the bitterness of black tea with the fruity tartness of hibiscus and warm spice notes. This drink is perfect for leisurely conversations and contemplating the world, filling each moment with coziness and warmth. Brewing it allows one to feel the breath of Eastern bazaars where the aroma of spices envelops passersby and creates an atmosphere of magic. After two weeks of steeping, the flavor unfolds even more fully, allowing one to enjoy the harmony of taste nuances.

Fruit and nut cake is the embodiment of natural sweetness and health benefits. Its roots trace back to European culinary traditions that value flavor harmony and natural ingredients. The cake's base consists of nuts soaked to reveal their delicate flavor, combined with dried fruits and honey to create a rich texture. The banana mousse cream adds tenderness, while the addition of hibiscus gives a subtle tartness and refined aroma. Fruits and sesame decorate the dessert, turning it into a true gastronomic masterpiece. This treat not only delights the palate but also offers health benefits—rich in vitamins and minerals, it is suitable for those who care about healthy eating. Perfect for cozy family tea gatherings or festive treats, bringing warm notes of natural ingredients into every bite.

Pork in onion peel with carrot puree and onion jam is a true work of gastronomic art inspired by European meat cooking traditions. Slow braising of pork in an aromatic broth of onion peel, hibiscus, star anise, and white wine gives the meat tenderness and a rich flavor with subtle spicy notes. Caramelized onions turn into jam, adding a light sweetness to the dish, while carrot puree with cilantro adds freshness and vibrant tones. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, creating a harmonious blend of deep flavors. The dish is served warm with juicy slices of pork accompanied by airy puree and fragrant onions, creating an unforgettable symphony of tastes. Inspired by traditional European cuisine, it becomes a true delight for gourmets.