Our recipe for freshly squeezed homemade lemonade-with the perfect tart-to-sweet balance-gets friendly with the concentrated flavors of tropical hibiscus for a refreshing summer party drink that effervesces with a top-off of club soda. (Though we won't tell if you swap out the club soda for champagne, or tip in a bit of quality vodka to take this kid-friendly party punch into adults-only territory.)

Like with our recipe for Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade, this makes two gallons for a big crowd. You can halve the recipe for a smaller gathering, or, as I did, use up any extra to make a super-delicious granita in your freezer-a dessert perfectly suited for a warm summer night.

Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade
From our Nordstrom eBars
(Makes 2 gallons)

Hibiscus Concentrate
10 ounces dried loose-leaf hibiscus tea leaves
12 1/2 cups water

Cold brew: Prepare concentrate according to manufacturer's instructions (approximately 12 hours brewing time). Once brewed, add enough water to concentrate to yield 12 1/2 cups.

Hot brew: In a large sauce pan over medium, bring water to a boil. Add dried hibiscus leaves, reduce heat to low and simmer leaves for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before straining hibiscus concentrate to remove the spent tea leaves.

Hibiscus Lemonade
2 cups hot water
3 1/2 cups superfine sugar
4 cups lemon juice, freshly squeezed (approximately 20 lemons)
12 cups cold water
5 cups (40 ounces) club soda

Ice
1/4-inch thick sliced lemon wheels for garnish
Cane sugar, simple syrup or agave nectar for serving

1. In a container large enough to hold over two gallons, add hot water and sugar. Whisk to dissolve sugar.

2. Squeeze lemons and add the juice and cold water. Whisk until well blended. (Stop here and you have delicious, easy lemonade!)

3. Add hibiscus concentrate, stirring until well blended. Chill if not serving immediately.

4. Transfer to a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. Add club soda just before serving. Pour over ice in your choice of glass, and garnish with a lemon wheel. Serve alongside a liquid sweetener to easily adjust to desired sweetness. The hibiscus lemonade without club soda can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

( Editor's Note: If you're serving this beverage in a closed dispenser and/or over a long period of time, reserve the club soda on the side to add individually and top off each glass while serving-this avoids excess pressure buildup that can cause leaks, and also maximizes bubbles.)

Try these recipes and others at a Nordstrom restaurant near you, and find more recipes to make at home in our Have a favorite dish or beverage from our restaurants or cookbooks that you'd like to see featured? Let us know in the comments! What's Cooking series and Nordstrom cookbooks (available in selected Nordstrom restaurants and Ebars).

-Jeff Powell (Photos and Intro)