Hibiscus-Inspired Desserts: 5 Tart And Sweet Pairings With Cocktails For Celebratory Meals
In summers, floral accents in the form of rose syrups, elderflower liqueurs and jasmine scented water begin appearing on a culinary enthusiast’s roster as embellishments and flavour additions into sweet and spicy preparations alike. One such flower which is added to desserts, cocktails and savoury preparations is hibiscus.
Incorporating the sweet and tart notes of this flower into sweet dishes infuses them with subtle tart flavours and a floral effect that builds dense flavours. Such desserts are suitable alternatives for serving at meals that mark significant moments or celebrate a happy occurrence. Pairing these desserts with well-suited cocktails makes for an interesting flavour addition to the last course of the meal.
Read on below to know more about some of the desserts that can be prepared by infusing them with subtle hibiscus hints and some recommended cocktail pairings for serving alongside:
Hibiscus Panna Cotta
Recommended Pairing: Gin Sour
A classic light summer dessert, the panna cotta can be seasoned with dried hibiscus and honey to lend it a very slight floral effect. Garnishing the dessert with these dried floral petals will also imbue a tart note into the sweet treat that makes for an interesting flavour blend with coconut’s creamy notes. Pair the hibiscus panna cotta with a classic gin sour whose contrasting citrus flavours and acidic tastes will go well with the summertime sweet served after a brunch that marks a birthday or an anniversary.
Hibiscus And Raspberry Tart
Recommended Pairing: French 75
Bake a classic raspberry tart complete with the sweet and sour notes of the fruit and a raspberry compote which serves as the garnish. Into this dessert, add a bit of hibiscus jam or reduction such that when coupled with shortcrust pastry and a whipped cream topping, the floral touch builds delicate notes into the buttery and dense flavour profile of the sweet treat. Pair it with a sparkling French 75 whose fizzy and tart effect coming from the addition of 30 ml champagne compliments the subtly sweet and bitter floral notes emanating from the tart.
Hibiscus Poached Pears
Recommended Pairing: Red Wine Sangria
Another simple dessert inspired by the floral notes of hibiscus is poached pears infused with a reduction of honey and hibiscus tea. Poached pears can be served with a side of creamy vanilla or honey nut ice cream which cuts through the fruit’s sweet and acidic flavours. Pair the dessert with a fruity and tart red wine sangria that goes well with the light hints of hibiscus tea to craft a deep and nuanced flavour coupling for a special meal.
Hibiscus And Coconut Granita
Recommended Pairing: Coconut Daiquiri
One of the chilled desserts often prepared during summer weather is a coconut granita. Infuse this with floral flavours with the addition of hibiscus syrup in the recipe. Coconuts and the floral touch of hibiscus make for an interesting contrast of sweet and tart flavours. The chilled granita can be paired with a coconut daiquiri so that the dense flavours of coconut cream undercut the mildly earthy notes of hibiscus in the dessert to deliver a well-balanced pairing.
Rose And Hibiscus Macaroons
Recommended Pairing: Sparkling Hibiscus Spritz
A sweet, bite-sized dessert ideal for serving after a particularly sumptuous summertime meal, macaroons can be prepared by adding to them floral flavours in the form of hibiscus and rose syrups. These fragrant, floral accented macaroons can be served with a sparkling drink like a hibiscus gin spritz which embodies delicate flavours that compliment the hibiscus-rose ganache filling inside the sweet treat. Garnish the drink with dried hibiscus petals for an added floral embellishment for those special, celebratory moments.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
