Description
A vibrant, tangy-sweet beverage that combines the floral notes of hibiscus tea with fresh strawberries and zesty lemon for a perfectly balanced summer refresher.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 2 hibiscus tea bags, OR 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers
- ½ cup strawberries
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup, adjust to taste
- Optional toppings: Extra sliced strawberries, lemon slices, and/or fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Tea – In a tea kettle, bring your water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, and place hibiscus tea bags (or dried hibiscus flowers) into the kettle. Allow to steep for 5-7 minutes, noting that longer steeping time results in stronger tea. After steeping, remove the tea bags (or strain out the flowers), and let the tea cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Puree – Wash and slice your strawberries and add them to a blender along with ¼ cup of the cooled hibiscus tea. Blend until smooth to create a puree. For a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag, though this step is optional.
- Combine and Serve – In a large pitcher, combine the remaining cooled hibiscus tea, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust to your preference: add more maple syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice for tartness. Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices, fresh strawberries, and mint sprigs before serving.
Notes
- Hibiscus tea offers numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants and potentially helping to lower blood pressure. For an extra refreshing twist, you can add a splash of sparkling water just before serving. This drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. For a cocktail version, add a shot of vodka or white rum to each serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg