Authentic Thai Recipe for
Hibiscus Flower Drink

Authentic Thai Recipe for
Hibiscus Flower Drink

น้ำกระเจี๊ยบ (Nam Krajiab)

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First published on October 25, 2016
Recipe by W. Tipsuwan

Authentic Thai recipe for Hibiscus Flower Drink
Yield: 2 liters
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 5 Minutes
Ready in: Less than 10 Minutes

Ingredient List:

About my Nam Krajiab:

About my Nam Krajiab:

In Thailand we make an herbal infusion drink from the sepals and calyces of the flowers of the roselle plant, a type of hibiscus. The dried flowers are boiled in water for 8 to 10 minutes, making a bright red drink that has a sour, tart flavor that many people say is similar to cranberry. While it can be served as an invigorating hot tea, most people like it as an iced drink with lots of sugar. Known here as Nam Krajieb, Thais consider it a healthy drink that is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling and inflammation, fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output. Some researchers think that chemicals in hibiscus might be effective in treating certain conditions, although the scientific data has been inconclusive.

The drink is quite simple to make, and will add an authentic flair to your next Thai meal.

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Step by Step Directions:

Step by Step Directions:

How to Make Nam Krajiab

How to Make Nam Krajiab

Step 1

For this recipe I'm using dried, whole roselle. You'll often find it packaged in broken pieces, more like a tea. Either way this recipe will work fine, but if yours is broken up then you'll need quite a bit less than the 1 cup I have listed in the ingredients. For the size I have here, I can fit about 10 - 15 flower sepals in 1 cup.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 1

Step 2

We like our Nam Krajiab quite sweet. The drink is quite sour without sugar, but some people like it that way. If you want a sweet "iced tea" type drink, then I recommend starting with 1/2 cup of sugar for 2 liters of drink and adding more if you think it will be better.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 2

Step 3

Boil one liter of water, then add the flowers, boiling on high for about 5 - 8 minutes.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 3

Step 4

Scoop the flowers out with a slotted spoon.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 4

Step 5

The drink should be a bright pink to dark red color.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 5

Step 6

While still boiling, add the sugar to the water. Add more water to until you have a total volume of 2 liters. When the sugar is dissolved completely, turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 6

Step 7

Pour it through a cloth filter or tight mesh strainer to remove any remaining flower particles. Refrigerate in a closed container until ready to serve.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 7

Step 8

Always serve in a tall glass over crushed ice to show off the vibrant color.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 8

Step 9

A sprig of mint in the glass will make it look pretty.

Photo of How to Make Hibiscus Flower Drink - Step 9
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