This vibrant, antioxidant-rich hot or iced hibiscus tea recipe is naturally caffeine-free. Simple, refreshing, and endlessly customizable.
Be sure to check out my berry-blast sun tea recipe, my calming herbal tea recipes, or this easy iced herbal tea recipe.
Hibiscus is one of my year-round favorites—iced and bright in summer, soothing and warm in winter. I also love pineapple skin tea—a recipe that makes the whole house smell amazing. And of course, this cozy spiced pumpkin chai latte.
Beyond its tart, floral flavor, hibiscus tea’s antioxidant levels are right up there with green tea.
I like to toss in dried orange peel granules for a boost of vitamin C and a small bit of ginger for digestion. The result is a fusion of flavors that’s both refreshing and nourishing—and it pairs beautifully with a slice of my chocolate chip vegan banana bread recipe or healthy oat bran muffins for a cozy snack.
Steeping Times
- Sun tea: Steep 4–6 hours in the sun for a robust flavor.
- Fridge brew: Steep overnight or at least 6–8 hours for the flavors to fully come together.
- Hot version: Bring water just to a boil, add hibiscus and other ingredients, and steep 10–15 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
In the Kitchen Tips
- Store it: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container; it stays fresh 2–3 days.
- Fresh or dried: Fresh hibiscus flowers can be used in place of dried.
- Buy in bulk: Dried hibiscus (flor de jamaica) is often much cheaper in Mexican or international markets compared to small packages.
Make It Your Way
- Add herbs: Fresh mint, basil, or lemongrass pair beautifully with hibiscus.
- Spice it up: A cinnamon stick or a pinch of cloves adds warmth, especially in cooler months.
- Citrus twist: Swap dried orange peel for fresh lemon, lime, or grapefruit slices. Or try my strawberry hibiscus lemonade, blueberry lemonade recipe, and my iced green tea lemonade for a fruity spin.
Hibiscus Tea FAQs
If refrigerated in an airtight container, it remains fresh for 3 days.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or managing a heart condition, check with your physician before consuming.
After steeping, you can compost them or blend them into smoothies for extra antioxidants and color.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! 💛
📖 Recipe
Hibiscus Bliss: Hot or Iced
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons dried hibiscus bulk tea or 4 hibiscus tea bags, also known as flor de Jamaica
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoon dried orange peel granules, or a quartered, washed organic orange, quartered (peel left on)
- ½ inch of ginger, peeled and halved
- Maple Syrup, optional, (or raw honey if not vegan), to taste
Instructions
- Add hibiscus, water, orange peel (or orange), and ginger to a large glass container with a lid.
- Set in the sun for 4–6 hours, or refrigerate overnight for a slower steep.
- Strain into a bowl, then pour the tea back into a clean glass container.
- Serve over ice. Sweeten with maple syrup (or honey) if desired.
- Hot Hibiscus Variation
- Add all ingredients to a pot.
- Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm. Sweeten to taste.
Video
Notes
- Fresh hibiscus flowers can be used in place of dried.
- Hot method: Bring water just to a boil, add hibiscus and other ingredients, and steep 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
- Fridge brew method: Steep overnight or at least 6-8 hours for the flavors to fully come together.
- After steeping, compost leftover hibiscus flowers or blend them into smoothies for extra antioxidants and color.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It remains fresh for 3 days.
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.
Julie Gaeta says
Easily one of my favorite teas. I keep a pitcher of this in the fridge most weeks, and it never disappoints—refreshing iced in the summer and cozy warm in cooler weather.