Quick Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
This raspberry Hibiscus iced tea is made using roselle, a type of hibiscus native to West Africa. It’s refreshing, sweet, and tart, and has just the right amount of natural sweetness from the raspberries. Elevating hibiscus tea to new heights!
Summer always calls for refreshing drinks! What is your go-to?
For me, it has always been a tough choice to make. I mean, there’s so much to choose from – lemonade, iced tea, smoothies, and whatnot. But, there’s one drink that has always been my all-time favourite – hibiscus tea. I’ve been drinking hibiscus tea for a few years now.
In fact, It was my friend who introduced me to this sweet-tart tea a few years ago when I was looking for more herbal teas to add to my diet. Until recently, I had been drinking it warm until one hot summer’s day!
It was one of those days when the scorching sun was at its peak, and I was feeling incredibly dehydrated. I was craving something cold and refreshing to quench my thirst. That’s when I remembered the hibiscus tea sitting in my pantry.
And oh my, it was a game-changer! The cold version of the tea was even more refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. The tartness was more pronounced; It was like a burst of summer in every sip.
This refreshing raspberry hibiscus iced tea recipe is hydrating, sweet, and tart, with just the right amount of natural sweetness from the raspberries. The addition of mint and lime adds a subtle spicy flavour that blends beautifully with the floral taste of hibiscus.
What is Roselle Hibiscus?
Roselle hibiscus is an aromatic, vibrant, red-coloured flowering plant, native to West Africa, also known as Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. Roselle tea is also known as red sorrel, roselle, and red tea. The tea has a floral tangy taste, but it has a pleasant aroma with a bright red colour.
I personally love the benefits; roselle hibiscus is an amazing drink mainly due to its high amounts of antioxidants, which help in fighting free radicals which are harmful to health. The antioxidant in this plant is known as flavonoids, which help in protecting cells from oxidative damage by free radicals. Basically, the more we drink this raspberry hibiscus iced tea, the better it is for us!
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Iced Tea
One of the main reasons why hibiscus tea is so popular is because of its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from drinking hibiscus iced tea:
Research has shown that hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure. This is because it contains compounds that act as natural ACE inhibitors, which help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Hibiscus tea is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. This can help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This tangy sweet tea is also rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Drinking hibiscus tea can help boost your immunity and prevent infections.
Hibiscus tea is also a natural diuretic, which means it can help flush out excess water weight. It also contains compounds that can help block the production of amylase, an enzyme that breaks down carbs. This can help prevent the absorption of carbs and promote weight loss.
The flavour of roselle hibiscus comes from its high concentration of flavonoids that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients needed for making Hibiscus Iced tea
These are the ingredients you will need for Raspberry hibiscus iced tea
- Raspberries: You can use frozen or fresh raspberries. If using frozen raspberries, no need to thaw them before adding them to the tea. Just add them as they are and you are good to go.
- Hibiscus tea leaves are a naturally caffeine-free drink which makes it a great option to drink at any time of the day. You can get dried hibiscus tea leaves from most health stores and hibiscus tea bags from local supermarkets.
- Agave syrup: The recipe calls for a sweetener, I used agave syrup but you can use date, maple syrup or honey if you prefer.
- Mint: I used fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing taste and flavour to the drink. Feel free to leave this out if you are not a fan of Mint.
- Lime: I used fresh limes to add a zesty sour flavour and enhance the tart taste of the hibiscus.
Additions and Variations on Hibiscus Iced Tea
There are many ways to make hibiscus iced tea, and you can experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version. Here are some additions and variations you can try:
- Hibiscus and Ginger Iced Tea: Add 1-2 tablespoons of grated ginger to the saucepan when making hibiscus iced tea. Ginger adds a spicy kick and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hibiscus and Mint Iced Tea: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the pitcher when serving hibiscus iced tea. Mint adds a refreshing flavour and also aids digestion.
- Hibiscus and Peach Iced Tea: Add sliced peaches to the pitcher when serving hibiscus iced tea. Peaches add a sweet and fruity flavour and also provide a dose of Vitamin C.
- You can use other berries as well – blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or even cranberries. If using fresh berries, you can add them as they are or mash them with a spoon to make a paste and release more of the tangy and sweet flavour from the raspberries.
Instructions
First, brew hibiscus leaves in a heat-resistant jug of freshly boiled water for 5 minutes.
Next, add agave syrup to sweeten the tea if you like. Add a handful of raspberries to the tea and let it cool down completely. Once the tea is cool, place it in the refrigerator to make it cold.
Serve with extra fresh raspberries, mint and lime if desired. Add ice If you would like it colder.
This drink is a perfect summer drink because it is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. It is also a great alternative to sugary drinks like sodas, juices, and expensive iced coffees that are full of caffeine.
Reasons to Make Hibiscus Iced Tea
Still not convinced that hibiscus iced tea should be your new go-to summer drink? Here are just a few more reasons to give it a try:
- It’s easy to make at home, and much cheaper than buying pre-made iced tea.
- It’s a great way to stay hydrated on hot summer days.
- It’s packed with health benefits, including antioxidants and blood pressure-lowering properties.
- It’s a delicious and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas and juices.
Best Time to Enjoy Hibiscus Iced Tea
Hibiscus iced tea is the perfect beverage for any summer occasion. Here are some of my favourite times to enjoy this refreshing drink:
- Parties or summer BBQs: This tea is a great option for serving a crowd. Simply make a large batch ahead of time and serve it in a big pitcher with plenty of ice.
- Afternoon drinks: When the weather is hot and you need a refreshing pick-me-up, hibiscus tea is a perfect choice.
- With friends: Invite your friends over for a summer afternoon tea party and serve this delicious iced tea alongside some sweet treats.
Give this Hibiscus iced tea a try. Not only is it delicious and refreshing, but it's also packed with health benefits. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying an afternoon with friends, or simply looking for a delicious way to stay hydrated, hibiscus tea is the perfect choice. So why not give it a try and let this be your new fave summer drink?
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Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
Equipment
- Tea strainer
- Kettle
Ingredients
- ¼ cup hibiscus flower
- ¼ cup raspberries fresh or frozen
- 1-2 tablespoon agave syrup
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the hibiscus flowers and raspberries to the pot, and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Add the agave syrup to the pitcher, and stir to combine.
- Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Serve the tea over ice, garnished with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint.
Notes
- Fruity? You can use fresh or frozen raspberries.
- Want it sweeter? If you don’t have agave syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup. You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- Fancy it hot? This tea can also be enjoyed hot – simply skip the ice and serve in a mug.
