The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
Top Pick in Hibiscus Drinks Recipes
Written by Julie on May 21, 2024
If you’re searching for top hibiscus drinks recipes, this Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher is a must-try.
Warm weather and sunny skies call for the ultimate refreshment, and this delicious drink is the perfect solution. Packed with health benefits, this delightful beverage combines the tangy zest of hibiscus and lemon with the sweet charm of strawberries — a perfect sip to cool down on a hot day (and you’d never even guess it’s good for you 😉).
Hibiscus always brings me back to the cobblestone-paved streets of Mexico, sipping Agua de Jamaica on hot, sun-soaked afternoons. This stunning flower, also known as Flor de Jamaica, is as visually striking as it is refreshingly delicious.
If you haven’t tried it, you’re in for a treat.
I first learned about hibiscus in Mexico and didn’t realize that hibiscus and Jamaica were one and the same until I began leaning toward a healthier lifestyle. Reading Dr. Michael Greger’s How Not To Die, I learned the many health benefits of hibiscus. (Sidenote: it’s an amazing book I highly recommend.)
Hibiscus is a loved staple in my wellness routine. I enjoy it throughout the year, whether as a warm soothing hibiscus tea, a sun-steeped tea, or mixed into a cooling refresher. The possibilities are quite endless.
You can find hibiscus tea in stores as loose-leaf or in tea bags, or by its Spanish name, Flor de Jamaica. It’s definitely worth trying and adding to your diet. And when mixed into a delicious twist with strawberry and lemonade, it becomes an even more irresistible treat that awakens our senses and refreshes our spirit.
Why This Will Become Your Favorite in Your Hibiscus Drinks Recipes Collection
Health-Boosting: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C for wellness.
Simple to Prepare: Few ingredients, easy steps, great for beginners.
Fully Customizable: Whether you prefer it sweeter, tangier, or fruitier, this lemonade adapts easily.
Family-Friendly: Enjoyed by all ages, a delicious alternative to store-bought drinks.
Crowd-Pleasing: Vibrant color that’s perfect for sharing—prepare for compliments!
Good For You Benefits
Hibiscus: Helps lower blood pressure, rich in antioxidants, and supports liver health.
Strawberries: Boosts immunity, promotes heart health, and helps regulate blood sugar.
Lemon: Aids digestion, rich in vitamin C, and helps detoxify the body.
Maple Syrup: Provides natural energy, rich in antioxidants, and contains nutrients like zinc and manganese.
Customizing Your Hibiscus Lemonade
Making It Your Own
Personalizing your refresher is part of the fun. Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
Add Sparkling Water: For a fizzy version, replace half of the water with sparkling water.
Make It a Cocktail: Add a shot of rum or vodka for an adult version of this refreshing drink.
Include Other Fruits: Experiment with adding other fruits like raspberries or peaches for a different twist.
In the Kitchen Tips
Steep hibiscus for 5-7 minutes for optimal flavor and benefits. For a stronger taste, steep up to 10 minutes.
For a sun-soaked tea, steep the hibiscus in a clear pitcher under direct sunlight for 2-3 hours for a naturally brewed and vibrant flavor.
Brew the hibiscus tea a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge to make this recipe come together super fast.
Start with the minimum recommended amount of maple syrup and gradually add more to suit your taste.
Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a lemon wheel, and a sprig of mint for a picture-perfect presentation.
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Store in an air-tight pitcher or bottle to maintain freshness and flavor.
FAQ
Can I make any parts of the Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher in advance?
Yes, brew the hibiscus tea up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to assemble and it comes together fast.Is there a caffeine-free version of hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free.Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work great and may even help cool the drink without extra ice.Is this drink suitable for kids?
Yes, this lemonade is kid-friendly and is a great alternative to store-bought drinks.Can hibiscus tea interact with medications?
Yes, hibiscus tea can interact with certain medications, due to its blood pressure-lowering effects. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider if you're on medications.Can hibiscus tea be used in other recipes?
Absolutely! Besides making a refreshing lemonade, hibiscus tea can be used in cocktails, smoothies, and even in cooking to add a tart flavor and vibrant color to dishes.
Equipment:
Kettle, electric kettle, or pot
Blender
Fine mesh sieve (optional, for straining)
Measuring cups
Spoon (for stirring)
The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
Ingredients
Instructions
- Hibiscus Tea: Boil 2 cups of water and take the water off the heat. Put 2 hibiscus tea bags or tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers into the hot water. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes (the longer they sit, the stronger your tea will be). Take out the tea bags or strain out the flowers. Let the tea cool.
- Strawberry Puree: Wash and slice 1/2 cup of strawberries. Add them to a blender with 1/4 cup of the cooled hibiscus tea. Puree until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture if desired.
- In a big pitcher, pour the remaining cool hibiscus tea.
- Add your strawberry puree.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, depending on how sweet you prefer.
- Mix everything until dissolved.
- Taste and adjust for desired sweetness or tartness by adding more syrup or lemon if desired.
- Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices, strawberries, and a sprig or two of mint if desired.
Notes
You can brew the hibiscus tea up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time when you’re ready to make the lemonade. If the tea is already made and chilled, the recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
Whether you’re looking for a new staple in your wellness routine or a refreshing way to stay cool this summer, this drink is a top pick among hibiscus tea recipes. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile—healthy options don’t have to be complicated or bland.
I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Share in the comments below what creative and fun twists you put into it!
