Description
Hibiscus tea is a vibrant, refreshing beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers steeped in hot water. It has a ruby-red hue and a tangy floral flavor with a touch of sweetness. Serve chilled over ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and/or lime.
Ingredients
For Hibiscus Tea
- 8 cups water (purified)
- 2 cup dried hibiscus flowers, firmly-packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
For Serving
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint and/or lime slices (optional)
Instructions
Recipe Prep: Gently rinse the hibiscus flowers in a colander to remove any dust or debris.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring cold water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers to the pot. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried flowers per quart (4 cups) of water, depending on how strong you want the tea. Cover the pot with a lid and let the hibiscus flowers steep in the hot water for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the water. But avoid steeping the flowers too long or the tea will have a bitter taste.
- After steeping, add granulated sugar to sweeten the tea, if desired. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
- Once the tea has steeped and sweetened (if desired), use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the hibiscus flowers, pouring the tea into a clean pitcher or container. Discard the solids. Allow the strained tea to cool to room temperature.
- Once the hibiscus tea is at room temperature, cover the pitcher or container and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 2-4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
- When ready to enjoy, carefully pour the chilled hibiscus tea into glasses filled with ice. If desired, garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and/or lime slices to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
Where to find hibiscus flowers: In the United States, look for this product in the Hispanic aisle of large supermarkets. You can also find it at specialty Mexican markets, or buy a package online. In Mexico, Flor de Jamaica (hibiscus flower) is a common ingredient sold in bulk. It’s often packaged in clear cellophane bags. At the grocery store look for it in the produce section near the fruits and veggies.
Alternate sweetener: Instead of granulated sugar, feel free to use honey instead.
Want to add more flavors to the tea? Steep the hibiscus flowers along with fresh basil or lemongrass.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 Hours
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican