Hibiscus Iced Tea

On a hot summer's day, nothing quenches thirst like Hibiscus Iced Tea, known as Agua de Jamaica, Karakade or Roselle Tea. A vibrant ruby-red drink, brewed by using dried calyces of the Hibiscus Roselle Plant (not the flower you have growing in your garden). A tart, cranberry-like infusion that's caffeine free, incredibly healthy and enjoyed hot or cold.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing - the first time I tried it, it really surprised me how much I love the taste! Reminds me of Cranberry Juice, but refreshingly different. Perfect to enjoy on a hot summer's day, a better alternative to Lemon Iced Tea.
• Healthy - packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, supports heart health and is known to lower blood pressure (this is a huge plus for me). Of course, always talk to your doctor before taking any health supplements first.
• Enjoy Year Round - not only for a hot summers day, I always serve this at Thanksgiving or Christmas! It will be the talk of your table! Kid friendly or make an adult Cran-tini style drink using Hibiscus Tea, perfect for all parties.
• Controlled Sugar - you can decide how sweet or tart you like it. Unlike store-bought juice, there's no artificial dyes or corn syrup, and you can customize it with sugar substitutes to your liking!

Ingredients

• Dried Hibiscus Flowers ( loose leaf Flor de Jamaica or Roselle)
• Water
• Raw Sugar or Honey, Agave, Stevia, White Sugar
• Juice from 2 Limes
• fresh Mint Sprigs

Equipment

• Kettle - to boil water
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Heat Proof Jug - for steeping
• Large Pitcher or Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Citrus Juicer

How to Make Hibiscus Iced Tea

1. Prepare Infusion - bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Pour into a heat proof jug and add dried Hibiscus Flowers. If using spices like Cinnamon, also add.
2. Steep Hibiscus Tea - let mixture infuse for about 20 minutes. For stronger flavor, steep up to 45 minutes. The color will become a deep crimson color.
3. Sweeten - while tea is warm, mix in sugar (sweetener) and stir until dissolved.
4. Strain - using a fine mesh strainer, strain steeped tea into large pitcher or bowl. Don't squeeze the Hibiscus Tea too hard, and set aside for a second batch.
5. Add Water and Citrus - top up with 4 cups of cold water, squeeze fresh Lime Juice and add to mixture.
6. Chill and Serve - refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until cold. Serve with ice in glasses, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs.

Hibiscus Iced Tea Variations

• Tropical Fusion - during steeping, add chunks of Pineapple or Mango slices. Instead of adding water to dilute, add Coconut Water for Pina Colada vibes.
• Sparkling - perfect for the punch bowl, add fizzy Soda Water or Ginger Ale
• Winter Spiced - for a mulled feel while steeping, add a cinnamon stick, anise seed, or clove - perfect when served hot or as a holiday punch
• Boozy Twist - adults only - add Vodka, Rum or Tequila. A Hibiscus Margarita or Hibiscus Martini, explore with your favorite drink flavors

Recipe Tips and FAQS

• Make a Double Batch - reuse the same Hibiscus Tea leaves right away to brew again for a second batch. Make a Zavarka, or brewed tea concentrate and keep refrigerated. Dilute when ready to make the second jug
• Hibiscus Stains - be careful, a naturally ruby-red dye will stain your countertop, stone bench top, your clothes.... just quickly wipe
• Freeze into Ice Cubes - instead of adding regular ice that dilutes, freeze Hibiscus Tea into Ice Cubes to keep flavor strong and looks cool in your glass as well
• Sugar Substitutes - I always use Raw Sugar, but you can substitute with Honey, Agave, Stevia, Maple Syrup or go sugar-free!
• Citrus Substitute - swap out the Limes with Orange or Grapefruit

Does Hibiscus Tea Lower Blood Pressure?

According to a Tufts University Study, drinking 3 cups of Hibiscus Tea daily lowered blood pressure 6-7 hhMG more than a placebo. Consult a doctor if pregnant and limit if on Blood Pressure medications. Actually, always consult a doctor as there could be other impacts, this is not a substitute for medical treatment.

Can I Reuse Hibiscus Tea Flowers?

Yes. Best to reuse them right away, and this will make a weaker batch. To make it stronger, add 2 tablespoons of tea leaves. Do not throw them away after the first batch, always make a second batch.

How Long does Hibiscus Iced Tea Last?

• Best Flavor - 3 to 5 days in the fridge
• Longer - 5 to 7 days if stored in an airtight container or glass jug with lid
• Hibiscus Concentrate - this lasts one week if unsweetened - easy to place in a soft drink bottle with lid and pour concentrate to make a single glass or dilute as needed
• Freezer - can freeze in a plastic soft drink bottle (just squeeze some air out to allow room for expansion) or freeze as ice cubes. Will last 3 to 6 months

How Do I Make It Less Tart?

Dilute with more water, add more sweetener, or both! If you're brave, go sugar free for a tart, low calorie drink!

Drink Recipes You'll Love

• Homemade Cranberry Juice
• Thyme Tea
• Homemade Hot Apple Cider
• Cranberry Punch for Parties
• Sea Buckthorn Tea
• Russian Citrus Tea
• Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada
• Kompot - Russian Boiled Fruit Drink

I promise you that Hibiscus Iced Tea will be a flavor hit with the family and your guests. Personally I drink it for my health and blood pressure, but also love that semi-sweet, tart flavor. Whether you're sipping it on a summers day, or serving it during the holidays, homemade Hibiscus Iced Tea will brings a burst of flavor and uniqueness to any occasion. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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