Description
A refreshing and tangy Hibiscus Iced Tea infused with vibrant hibiscus flowers and naturally sweetened with apple juice, lemonade, or ginger ale. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh mint and lime wedges, this thirst-quenching drink is ideal for warm weather and easy to prepare in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beverage Base
- 8 cups water
- 8 bags hibiscus tea (such as Red Zinger) or 3 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
Sweetener and Flavor
- 2 cups apple juice, lemonade, or ginger ale (choose one)
For Serving
- Ice
- Mint leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a kettle or saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a full boil to prepare the tea base.
- Steep Hibiscus: Remove the boiling water from heat and add 8 hibiscus tea bags or 3 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers. Allow to steep for 10 minutes to extract a rich, tangy flavor, then remove the tea bags or strain out the flowers.
- Cool the Tea: Let the hibiscus tea cool to a temperature that can be safely handled, then transfer it to a pitcher and refrigerate until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Add Sweetener: Just before serving, stir in 2 cups of your choice of apple juice, lemonade, or ginger ale to add natural sweetness and a complementary flavor.
- Serve: Pour the hibiscus iced tea over ice cubes in serving glasses. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and lime wedges to enhance aroma and presentation.
Notes
- You can use either hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus flowers depending on availability and preference.
- Choose apple juice for a fruity sweetness, lemonade for tartness, or ginger ale for a slightly spicy fizz.
- Adjust sweetness and tartness by varying the amount or type of mixer added.
- For a stronger hibiscus flavor, steep longer, but be cautious as it may become more tart.
- Ideal for serving at parties, barbecues, or as a healthy daily refreshment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: hibiscus iced tea, refreshing drink, summer beverage, iced tea recipe, hibiscus tea, natural sweetener, mint garnish, lime wedges
