Sunshine Serenity: The not so Red Juneteenth Red Drink
A Hibiscus rose lemonade fizz to soothe the heart and cool the body
Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, evokes a somber kind of joy. As a child of Liberian and Ghanaian immigrants, this day represents an incredulously nuanced history. I often wonder, were any of my ancestors' freed' on Juneteenth? Which of my bloodlines can I trace back to the Kru people, who fled violent enslavement using their maritime skills? While still unanswered, these questions add a layer of depth and curiosity to my understanding of a fucked up yet historical event.
The Kru people have a long legacy of freedom. Native to what is now called Liberia, the Kru were renowned for their stunning maritime skills and were among those who resisted and fled during the transatlantic slave trade era. Known for their expertise in navigating the unique coastline waters surrounding West Africa, many Kru used their seafaring mastery to escape captivity by boarding other ships or constructing their vessels. Pirates of a sort, their knowledge of the Atlantic coastline enabled them to evade capture and seek refuge in remote areas where they reestablished communities. Some even journeyed to safe neighboring areas like Sierra Leone for a new life. I think A LOT about my ancestors’ courageous efforts to resist enslavement and maintain their cultural identity amid that turbulent era. If not for them, I might not know my lineage.
Hibiscus
The plant genus Hibiscus includes numerous species, some of which are native to different regions of Africa. One of our favorite species is Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Bissap in West Africa, Sorrel in Jamaica, Flor de Jamaica in Mexico, Roselle, and Karkadeh (كركديه) in Arabic. Hibiscus species are widely spread across the continent of Africa and beyond, cultivated for their beauty, culinary, and medicinal purposes for centuries. They are often used as an ingredient in the culturally significant red drink for Juneteenth.
I wanted to use hibiscus flowers symbolically because they are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and are known for their ability to support cardiovascular health, promote digestion, and boost the immune system. Their vibrant crimson color and tangy flavor are a refreshing, healthy tonic, if you will, that can be helpful with temperature regulation for hot days or hot flashes and add a refreshing twist to any drink or recipe. Oh damn, now I have a craving for hibiscus tacos.
Rose
With their delicate fragrance and gentle taste, rose petals and hips have been cherished for centuries for their calming, mood-enhancing, and loving properties (lol). Rose is essentially a flex of an ingredient. This means you can add it to any tea, salad, herbal smoking blend, topical ointment, or bedside table to create a sense of heart-focused intention, whether consciously or unconsciously. Roses are often associated with love and relaxation, helping to soothe the mind and open the heart to joy and serenity. During the holiday, Juneteenth, using roses, is an emotionally healing way to calm and soothe any trauma stored in the DNA and bodies of African descendants affected by this day.
Wild apples
I decided to use bits of local crabapples that quickly became too soft for my preference. Anti-food waste practices, a new trend in the culinary and environmental industry, were and are a practice that many African folks (and folks medicine people) often utilize, whether they were free on the continent captured in the U.S.
Dehydrating tart, fleshy fruits a little past fresh consumption makes for a rich and flavorful experience when used in teas or baked goods. Crab apples (which I use loosely for any wild, small apple native to the area I am located) are smaller in size than traditional mainstream apples, but they pack a nutritional punch and flavor. They’re super high in fiber, vitamin C, and loads of antioxidants, contributing to overall gut health and immune function—you know it well, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” They weren’t playing when they said that. Too their tartness adds a crisp and somewhat creamy element to this elixir, balancing the floral notes with a touch of brightness brought out even more with lemon.
Ok, so now that I’ve properly geeked out on each ingredient, let’s get into the recipe.
What you need:
1 tablespoon dried rose hips (see pop-out recipe below)
1 tablespoon dried hibiscus flowers
1 small crab apple, thinly sliced, dried, or fresh. (see pop-out recipe below)
1 lemon, thinly sliced and used for skin and juice
2 cups water
*optional honey or agave syrup
*optional desired amount of cannabis tincture (suggested at appx 5mg)
What to do:
Bring the water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan.
add the dried rose hips, hibiscus flowers, two slices of lime, and wild apples to the saucepan once the water is boiling.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.
Once the elixir has cooled a bit, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher or large jar.
In a shaker, add mixture and sweeten with honey or agave syrup if desired.
Shake well and pour the elixir into glasses filled with ice cubes. Alternatively, you can serve it warm or at room temperature.
Adjust the sweetness and cannabis dosage (if using) according to your taste and tolerance.
The color of your elixir will vary depending on how long you steep it. If you'd like a red color, feel free to let it steep super long in the first step.
Garnish with a slice of lemon or a fresh hibiscus flower for an extra touch of elegance
Pop-out Recipes
Oven-dried crab apples:
Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C).
Wash and dry fresh crab apples.
Cut in halves and remove seeds.
Arrange apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 2-3 hours until dry, slightly shriveled, and curled up around the edges
Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
(Use for tea, fruit snacks, granola, or baked goods)
How To Dry & Preserve Rose Petals
Arrange rose petals evenly on a baking or cookie sheet.
Preheat your oven to 180°F (82°C).
Place the sheet of rose petals in the oven and heat for 10-30 minutes.
Check periodically until the petals are crisp.
(Use for tea, body scrubs, and herbal smoking blends; the possibilities are endless)