Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus Tea is a vibrant, tart, and refreshing herbal tea made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower.

What is a Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus tea is a refreshing, caffeine-free herbal tea made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in water and serving it chilled. It has a deep red or magenta color and a tart, fruity flavor similar to cranberry or pomegranate. This tea is not only enjoyed for its bold flavor but also its health benefits.

The History of Hibiscus

This hibiscus plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America.

In many cultures, hibiscus holds a special place, particularly the Hibiscus sabdariffa species. In Egypt and Sudan, it is a traditional beverage served during weddings and celebrations. Is a popular iced hibiscus tea also known as “sour tea,” “roselle,” that is enjoyed as a refreshing drink on hot days. In West Africa, hibiscus tea is a common part of everyday life, often consumed hot or cold, depending on the season.

Ingredients For a Hibiscus Tea

To make this refreshing drink, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1- Dried Hibiscus Flowers: These are the key ingredients in hibiscus tea, known for their vibrant red color and tart. Hibiscus flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and also provide the tea’s signature tangy taste and deep red hue.

2-Water: Essential for extracting the flavors from the hibiscus flowers, water serves as the base for brewing the tea. It helps to release the beneficial compounds and vibrant color from the flowers during steeping.

3- Sugar: Granulated sugar will be used to caramelize the hibiscus flower and use it as a garnish!

4- Agave Syrup: To balance the acidity of the hibiscus extract. (Sweetener as Honey is optional).

5- Lime Juice: Lime juice can be added to enhance the tartness and brightness of the tea. Citrus fruits complement the floral and fruity notes of hibiscus, creating a refreshing and balanced flavor.

6- Cranberry Juice: Fresh mint adds a cool and herbal note to the tea, making it even more refreshing. It pairs well with both hot and cold versions of hibiscus tea.

(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

How to Make Hibiscua Tea?

First, we have to make a hibiscus reduction, which will be the extract that we will use for this recipe.

Instructions

1.- Add dehydrated hibiscus flower to a pot with water over medium heat until it boils for 10-15 minutes and obtain a reduction.

2.- Once reduced, we will strain the reduction into another container using a fine strainer and let it cool.

3.- Now to the hibiscus flower that we used, we will add a little water and granulated sugar to caramelize it and we will let it boil for about 10 minutes, stir it constantly so that it does not stick and then we will transfer it to another container and let it cool.

4.- In a cocktail shaker with ice we add hibiscus reduction, agave syrup, cranberry juice, and fresh lime or lemon juice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until mixed.

5.- Pour into a tall glass with plenty of ice, and decorate with caramelized hibiscus flower and a twist of orange or lemon, and enjoy.

Variations

While the basic recipe is delicious, you can experiment with various flavors and ingredients to create unique variations. Here are some ideas:

Find more refreshing recipes you might love: Watermelon Cocktail, Kiwi Mojito, and Ranch Water Cocktail.

Here are a few popular variations:

Hibiscus Chai Tea: For a spiced version, add chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger) to the hibiscus tea for a warming and aromatic drink.

Pitcher: Brew a large batch of hibiscus tea, let it cool, and leave it in the refrigerator. Serve over ice with a slice of lime or with fresh cranberries for a refreshing summer drink.

Hibiscus and Ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the boiling water along with the hibiscus flowers for a tea that’s both spicy and tart flavors.

Mint: Brew hibiscus tea with a handful of fresh mint leaves for a cooling and invigorating drink.

Citrus: Add slices of orange, lemon, or lime to the tea while it steeps for a zesty and bright flavor.

Cocktails: Use this recipe as a base for cocktails. It pairs well with rum, vodka, or gin. Try mixing with sparkling water and a splash of your favorite spirit for a light and refreshing cocktail.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

This recipe is not just delicious; it also offers a range of health benefits that make it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. Some of the key health benefits include:

Supports Liver Health: Some studies suggest that hibiscus tea may help protect the liver by reducing liver damage and promoting detoxification.

Rich in Antioxidants: This tea is packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health.

Lowers Blood Pressure: Several studies have shown that drinking hibiscus can help lower blood pressure, making it a natural remedy for hypertension, and also helps people with high cholesterol.

Supports Heart Health: The tea’s ability to lower blood pressure and reduce obesity, and cholesterol levels contributes to better heart health.

Aids in Weight Loss: This is known to help with weight management by reducing the absorption of starches and glucose, which can lead to weight gain.

Boosts Immune System: The tea is rich in vitamin C and other essential nutrients that strengthen the immune system and help ward off infections.

Promotes Digestive Health: Has mild laxative properties, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation and diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties: The tea’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help reduce inflammation and fight off harmful bacteria.

Suggestion to serve

This recipe is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various foods. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your hibiscus tea experience:

Festive Occasions: For festive occasions like weddings or holiday parties, serve hibiscus tea in large pitchers with fruit garnishes. It’s a visually stunning drink that adds a pop of color to any table.

Afternoon Tea: Serve this drink with a selection of pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches for a delightful afternoon tea.

Brunch: Pair iced hibiscus tea with brunch dishes like fruit salads, avocado toast, or light quiches. The tea’s tartness complements the flavors of fresh, healthy foods.

Barbecue: Serve this hibiscus tea recipe as a refreshing drink at a summer barbecue. Its tartness pairs well with grilled meats and spicy dishes.

Dessert Pairing: Hibiscus tea’s tart flavor contrasts beautifully with sweet desserts like cakes, tarts, or chocolate truffles.

When to Serve It?

This is a versatile and refreshing drink that can be served on various occasions, especially during warm weather or events where a light, flavorful beverage is desired. Here are some ideal times to serve hibiscus iced tea:

1. Brunch: Serve the tea alongside brunch favorites like fresh fruit, pastries, and light salads. Its tangy, floral flavor complements a variety of brunch dishes and provides a non-alcoholic option for guests.
2. Weddings or Celebrations: This drink is often served at weddings or formal events, especially in regions like Egypt and Sudan, where the drink holds cultural significance. Its elegant color and flavor make it a great choice for special occasions.
3. Pool Parties: On a hot day by the pool, hibiscus iced tea offers a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas. Serve it in large pitchers with ice and fruit garnishes like lemon, lime, or mint for a visually appealing and thirst-quenching drink.
4. Holiday Parties: During festive occasions like Christmas or New Year’s Eve, hibiscus iced tea can be offered as a non-alcoholic option or used as a base for holiday cocktails. Its striking color adds a festive vibe to the drink menu.
5. Everyday Refreshment: Hibiscus iced tea is also a great choice for daily hydration. Enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a refreshing drink after exercise, thanks to its thirst-quenching and hydrating properties.

Hibiscus iced tea is a versatile drink that can be customized with various flavors and served for many different occasions, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event.

Notes:

With the reduction you can make the typical “Agua de Jamaica” that is very popular in Mexico.

Conclusion:

Hibiscus tea offers a unique taste experience that’s both refreshing and beneficial for your health.

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Yield: 1

Hibiscus Tea

Print

Hibiscus Tea is a vibrant, tart, and refreshing herbal tea made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower.

 

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (you can find these at health food stores or online)
• 4 cups of water
• 3 cups granulated sugar to caramelized hibiscus flower
• 2 oz hibiscus extract (reduction).
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz agave syrup (adjust to your taste).
• For garnish caramelized hibiscus flower and a twist of lemon or lime
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

1. Add dehydrated hibiscus flower to a pot with water over medium heat until it boils for 10-15 minutes and obtain a reduction.
2. Once reduced, we will strain the reduction into another container using a fine strainer and let it cool.
3. Now to the hibiscus flower that we used, we will add a little water and granulated sugar to caramelize it. We will let it boil for about 10 minutes, moving it constantly so that it does not stick and then we will transfer it to another container and let it cool.
4. In a cocktail shaker with ice, add hibiscus reduction, agave syrup, cranberry juice, and fresh lime or lemon juice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until mixed.
5. Pour into a tall glass with plenty of ice, decorate with caramelized hibiscus flowers and a twist of orange or lemon, and enjoy.

 

Notes

With the reduction you can prepare "Agua de Jamaica" which is very traditional in Mexico

Nutrition Information

Yield

1

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 2502Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 63mgCarbohydrates 649gFiber 5gSugar 631gProtein 2g

Nutrition information isn´t always accurate!

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