Hibiscus Snow Cones

Combine 2 cups sugar, hibiscus flowers, 1 cup water, 2 teaspoons peppercorns, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until syrup has thickened slightly, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Pour hibiscus mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a medium measuring cup, firmly pressing mixture using the back of a spoon; discard solids. Add additional water to hibiscus syrup as needed to yield 11/2 cups liquid. If possible, transfer mixture to a squeeze bottle for easy dispensing. Chill until ready to use for snow cones, up to 1 week. Let syrup come to room temperature before using.

If using whipped cream, whisk together heavy cream and remaining 2 teaspoons sugar in a small bowl until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside. Crush remaining 1 teaspoon peppercorns in a mortar and pestle, and set aside for garnish.

Divide shaved ice evenly among 6 to 8 (6-ounce) paper snow cone cups or glasses. Drizzle each snow cone with 3 to 4 tablespoons hibiscus syrup. (Reserve remaining syrup to stir into cocktails.) Top each snow cone with about 1 tablespoon whipped cream, if using, and garnish with crushed pink peppercorns.