Hibiscus tea recipe – a revitalising tart and floral herbal drink that can be consumed hot or chilled. This wonderfully refreshing floral tea is fairly simple and easy to make with just 3 ingredients.
This hibiscus tea, also known as agua de jamaica, Zobo, karkade is an exotic ruby red-hued sweet and tart tea that is a great alternative to caffeinated drinks. This herbal tea recipe is made with minimal ingredients and effort.
Dried hibiscus is not only a great ingredient to make herbal tea with but acts as a fabulous colouring agent. I use it in rose syrup to get that bright red hue. Check out my rose milk tea recipe made with rose syrup.
What are the health benefits of hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea, one of the popular herbal teas, is a great source of antioxidants. It is widely popular for its ability to help lower blood pressure, control hypertension and boost metabolism. Consuming this herbal tea in moderation is generally considered safe.
What are the side effects of hibiscus tea?
Individuals taking medicines should consult a medical practitioner, as consuming hibiscus in any form may interact with certain medications. It is a herb that pregnant women should avoid because evidence indicates that hibiscus tea causes hormonal fluctuations that have the potential for harmful effects during the early stages of pregnancy.
Some people may suffer temporary stomach discomfort and nausea. People with diabetes and low blood pressure should monitor their blood sugar and/or blood pressure levels when consuming this tea. This is because of its ability to lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Ingredients
Hibiscus: Fresh or dried petals can be used. I’ve used dried petals that I have on hand.
Spice: Fresh ginger adds a peppery and spicy note to the tea.
Sweetener: I’ve used honey. But maple syrup, coconut sugar or any healthy sweetener will do.
Instructions
Bring the water to a rolling boil.
Add the dried hibiscus petals, ginger and steep for 5 minutes.
Mix in the honey and enjoy.
Variations
A small piece of cinnamon infuses a warm and mildly spicy flavour to the tea.
A few mint leaves add a refreshing flavour.
You could add a few lemon slices or a dash of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.
A few muddled mixed berries make it a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher (a la Starbucks). It will not be a copycat recipe of Starbucks but a healthier version without loads of sugar and preservatives.
Substitutions
For vegan hibiscus tea, substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, coconut sugar or any other sweetener of your choice.
Storage
Store brewed hibiscus tea in an airtight jar in the fridge. This herbal tea stays fresh for up to 4 days. Later, the tea starts to lose its flavour.
The advantage of staying fresh for 4 days makes it a perfect make-ahead drink on summer days. Make a big batch and sip chilled herbal tea the whole day.
FAQs
Steep fresh or dried hibiscus in water for 5 minutes. Remove the petals and allow the tea to cool down completely. In a highball glass, combine the tea and maple syrup, add plenty of ice cubes and enjoy!
No, unlike green tea, hibiscus tea doesn’t turn overly bitter if it is steeped longer than 5 minutes.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Do let me know if you make this dried hibiscus tea recipe. I love hearing from you all. If you like this recipe kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?
Hibiscus Tea recipe
Ingredients
1 Cup = 250ml ; 1 Tablespoon = 15ml ; 1 Teaspoon = 5ml
- 2 large Dried hibiscus petals
- 2 cups Water
- 1 inch Ginger washed, peeled and chopped
- 2 Teaspoons Honey
Instructions
- On medium heat, place water, ginger in a saucepan and bring it to rolling boil. Turn off the heat.2 cups Water
- Now add dried hibiscus petals, ginger and steep for 5 minutes or more if you want intense flavour.2 large Dried hibiscus petals, 1 inch Ginger
- Pour hot hibiscus tea it in a glass, mix in honey and enjoy.2 Teaspoons Honey
Was recommended to me and I will try It.
Elba, do try and let me know how you like it 🙂
This looks very intriguing and inviting and seems pretty simple to make! I love the idea of the different variations you can add to it too. As a gut health blogger I’m curious, why may hibiscus tea cause stomach discomfort for some people?
Gemma, I’m pleased to know you like this recipe. Taking herbal tea in moderation shouldn’t have any side effects except for people with certain health issues and pregnant women. However, taking too much tea might cause stomach discomfort.
Okay, that makes sense! Thanks for clarifying Geetha 🙂
Can I use this tea while trying to conceive…I mean after the ovulation part of my cycle… Will it be safe…?
Shiba, do consult a medical practitioner for detailed information about hibiscus. However, to be on the safe side I wouldn’t suggest taking this tea while trying to conceive.
Can we make from fresh petals? Or a 2 days old petals.?
Or it has to be dried petals for all the benefits?
Yes, you can make it from fresh petals as well. I used dried ones as I had them on hand.
From the time I seen your recipe on FB I have been wanting to try making hibiscus tea. How to get thr petals was my issue. Do you know this month we had blogger’s meet n one of the goodie bag contained the hibiscus petals. Have been unwell these last few days but now I am good n raring to try this tea. Tomorrow….
I’m so pleased to know that you are planning to make this herbal tea. I wish I was in India to attend blogger’s meet. Do let me know how you enjoyed hibiscus tea.
I never knew that tea can also me made from hibiscus. Very interesting recipe with sp much of nutritional value. Will try it for sure. Lovely presentation
Thank you, Anshu. Hibiscus has lots of health benefits, Do try and let me know how it turned out.
ahaaaa who can deny to sip this in the morning !!! lovely share and I love to have this each day 🙂
I totally agree with you Sasmita, this refreshing herbal tea is the best way to start the day 🙂
Hibiscus tea looks so refreshing and flavourful.. hot or cold it is always comforting!!
Thank you.
look at the gorgeous ruby red !! Refreshing flavor and beautiful color !
Thank you.
I love herbal tea and thats a deep, hauntingly delicuous colour…such attractive clicks too !
Thank you. Indeed it has a gorgeous colour and lovely flavour.
I do make hibiscus iced tea with lemongrass. This floral tea with that ruby red color and refreshing flavor is a treat for sure.
Hibiscus tea with lemongrass sounds like a great combination. Next time I’ll surely try it.
Thank you very much for your lovely recipe. its really soothing and refreshing . I love the attractive colour?
I’m glad you liked the recipe.
What a lovely colour the hibiscus tea has impated. love your suggestions for flavouring the tea.
I’m glad you liked this recipe Seema.
Love the look and feel of Hibiscus Tea. Soothing and Refreshing. The colour certainly is attractive.
Thank you.
What a beautiful color this tea has! and sounds absolutely refreshing as well… I am really wondering how this would taste…
Hibiscus tea has a hint of tart cranberry-like taste yet sweet though the intensity of flavours depends on how long you steep.
Now isn’t this a recipe to cherish? The ruby red colour is so enticing. Such a simple recipe with so many benefits.
Yes Aruna this is one such simple and easy recipe with many benefits.
I’ve yet to try making hibiscus tea at home, though I’ve had an iced version at a cafe. love the beautiful ruby red colour of the healthy drink.
This recipe tastes equally good as the iced version. Do try and let me know how you enjoyed it.
Such a simple and delicious recipe of tea. Beautiful colour of tea. I had lavender tea, it tastes great..i wouldn’t mind to taste these organic & flavourful tea again. Loved the recipe, it’s easy & anyone can easily make on . Fantastic idea!!
Thank you.
This looks absolutely gorgeous and vibrant.
Thank you.
Love this tea. It is so refreshing and loved the colour of the tea too.
Thank you.
Hibiscus tea looks so refreshing and delicious. I would love to have it chilled. What a beautiful colour. Loved it.
Chilled tea tastes equally good as hot ones. I hope you enjoy it.
Very interesting recipe!
I knew hibiscus is used to wash hair, but never knew it could be used to make a flavourful tea! Love the look of it. It looks quite refreshing.