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Deep-red hibiscus tea in a glass mug with lime slice and mint on wooden table

Hibiscus Tea (Hot & Iced)

 

This vibrant ruby-red herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free, tangy-sweet, and bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants. Brew it steaming hot for cozy nights or chill it over ice for the ultimate summer refresher—either way, the floral-fruity flavor of dried hibiscus flowers makes every sip special.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes (add 60 minutes chill time for iced version if desired)
  • Yield: 2 cups hot or 4 cups iced 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Hot Hibiscus Tea (2 servings)

    • 2 cups (480 ml) water

    • 2 Tbsp dried hibiscus flowers —or 4 Tbsp fresh petals

    • 12 tsp honey, agave, or sugar (optional)

    • Slice of lime or cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

  • Iced Hibiscus Tea (4 servings)

    • 4 cups (960 ml) water

    • ½ cup (about 15 g) dried hibiscus flowers —or 1 cup fresh petals

    • 24 Tbsp sweetener to taste

    • Ice cubes

    • Lime wedges, orange slices, or fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the water – Bring the water to a rolling boil in a saucepan or kettle.

  2. Steep the hibiscus – Remove from heat, add the dried flowers, cover, and let steep: 5 min for light flavor, 10 min for balanced, 15 min for bold.

  3. Strain – Pour through a fine-mesh strainer or tea infuser to remove the petals.

  4. Sweeten (optional) – Stir in honey, agave, sugar, or your preferred sweetener until dissolved.

  5. Serve hot – For the hot version, pour into mugs and garnish with a lime slice or cinnamon stick.

  6. Chill for iced tea – Let the tea cool to room temperature, transfer to a pitcher, and refrigerate 1 hour. Serve over ice with citrus slices or mint.

Notes

  • Flavor twists: Add ginger slices for warmth or combine equal parts hibiscus tea and lemonade for a hibiscus-ade.

  • Adjust tartness: If the tea is too sharp, dilute with extra water or ice; if too mild, extend steeping time.

  • Make-ahead: Hibiscus tea keeps up to 4 days in the fridge—store without ice or citrus to preserve freshness.

  • Health reminder: Hibiscus can lower blood pressure; consult your doctor if you’re on related medication.

  • Author: ANA ARMAS
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Beverage / Wellness Drink
  • Cuisine: International / Herbal Tea

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: unsweetened, per 1-cup serving
  • Calories: 2 kcal
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 0 g