Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
Introduction
Hibiscus iced tea is a refreshing and vibrant drink perfect for warm days. Its tart, floral flavor is naturally energizing and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water
- Sweetener to taste (such as sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a pot or kettle.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Let steep for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Strain the hibiscus tea into a pitcher to remove the flowers.
- Step 4: Stir in your chosen sweetener while the tea is still warm, adjusting to taste.
- Step 5: Chill the tea in the refrigerator until cold.
- Step 6: Serve over ice and enjoy a cool, tangy refreshment.
Tips & Variations
- Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during steeping for a spiced twist.
- Mix in fresh lime or lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Use agave or honey as a natural sweetener alternative to refined sugar.
- For a sparkling version, top chilled tea with soda water.
Storage
Store hibiscus iced tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake gently before serving again. If it tastes slightly stronger after sitting, dilute with a little water or ice.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of dried?
Yes, fresh hibiscus flowers can be used, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly and use about twice the quantity compared to dried flowers to achieve a similar flavor strength.
Is hibiscus iced tea caffeine-free?
Yes, hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for a refreshing drink any time of day.
PrintHibiscus Iced Tea Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Hibiscus Iced Tea made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in water, sweetening to taste, then chilling to serve a deliciously tart and colorful beverage perfect for warm days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water
Sweetener
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar or preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Steep the hibiscus: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let steep for about 15 minutes to extract a deep red color and tart flavor.
- Strain the tea: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the hibiscus tea into a heatproof pitcher to remove all flower solids.
- Sweeten the tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar or your preferred sweetener until completely dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
- Chill the tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve: Pour the chilled hibiscus tea over ice. Optionally garnish with fresh mint or a slice of lime for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative for different sweetness profiles.
- Adding a cinnamon stick or slices of fresh ginger during steeping can add warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants.
- Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Keywords: Hibiscus iced tea, hibiscus tea, iced tea recipe, refreshing drinks, caffeine-free tea, floral iced tea
