I want to introduce you to a delightful and refreshing recipe known as Hibiscus iced tea. This crimson-colored drink is not only visually pleasing, but it also has numerous health benefits that make it a popular choice for me and other tea lovers. This is a very popular summer drink, you will see many tea shops and even coffee shops selling it. Mostly every Starbucks I have visited sells this drink in the summer. I have to admit I do buy this drink based on the color. There is something mesmerizing about the red color that keeps me coming back to this drink.
Hibiscus iced tea is made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant, which is native to tropical regions around the world. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. In addition to its medicinal properties, hibiscus tea is also a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
To prepare Hibiscus iced tea, you will need to start by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in boiling water. Once the tea has cooled, it can be poured over ice and served with a slice of lemon or lime for added flavor. This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your personal taste preferences, whether you prefer your tea sweetened with honey or unsweetened. For a specific recipe, you can have a look at the recipe I included at the bottom of this post.
Hibiscus Iced Tea
Equipment
- Pot
- 1 Pitcher
- 1 Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- ½ lime
- Mint Leaves optional
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot
- Once the water is boiling, add 1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers to the pot
- Reduce the heat to low and let the hibiscus flowers simmer for 10-15 minutes. The water should turn a deep red color
- Strain the hibiscus tea into a jar or pitcher
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the jar or pitcher and stir until it dissolves
- Squeeze 1/2 lime into the jar or pitcher and stir
- Add a few mint leaves if desired
- Chill the hibiscus tea in the refrigerator for at least an hour
- Once chilled, add ice cubes to a glass and pour the hibiscus tea over the ice
- Garnish with a lime slice and more mint leaves if desired
