Warm weather and sunny skies call for the ultimate refreshment, and this delicious drink is the perfect solution. Packed with health benefits, this delightful beverage combines the tangy zest of hibiscus and lemon with the sweet charm of strawberries — a perfect sip to cool down on a hot day (and you’d never even guess it’s good for you 😉).
Hibiscus always brings me back to the cobblestone-paved streets of Mexico, sipping Agua de Jamaica on hot, sun-soaked afternoons. This stunning flower, also known as Flor de Jamaica, is as visually striking as it is refreshingly delicious.
If you haven’t tried it, you’re in for a treat.
I first learned about hibiscus in Mexico and didn’t realize that hibiscus and Jamaica were one and the same until I began leaning toward a healthier lifestyle. Reading Dr. Michael Greger’s How Not To Die, I learned the many health benefits of hibiscus. (Sidenote: it’s an amazing book I highly recommend.)
Hibiscus is a loved staple in my wellness routine. I enjoy it throughout the year, whether as a warm soothing hibiscus tea, a sun-steeped tea, or mixed into a cooling refresher. The possibilities are quite endless.
You can find hibiscus tea in stores as loose-leaf or in tea bags, or by its Spanish name, Flor de Jamaica. It’s definitely worth trying and adding to your diet. And when mixed into a delicious twist with strawberry and lemonade, it becomes an even more irresistible treat that awakens our senses and refreshes our spirit.
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Why this will become your favorite in your Hibiscus Drinks recipes collection
- Health-boosting: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C for wellness.
- Simple to prepare: Few ingredients, easy steps, great for beginners.
- Fully customizable: Whether you prefer it sweeter, tangier, or fruitier, this lemonade adapts easily.
- Family-friendly: Enjoyed by all ages, a delicious alternative to store-bought drinks.
- Crowd-pleasing: Vibrant color that’s perfect for sharing—prepare for compliments!
Good for you benefits
- Hibiscus: Helps lower blood pressure, rich in antioxidants, and supports liver health.
- Strawberries: Boosts immunity, promotes heart health, and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Lemon: Aids digestion, rich in vitamin C, and helps detoxify the body.
- Maple syrup: Provides natural energy, rich in antioxidants, and contains nutrients like zinc and manganese.
Customizing your Hibiscus Lemonade
Personalizing your refresher is part of the fun. Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
- Add sparkling water: For a fizzy version, replace half of the water with sparkling water.
- Make it a cocktail: Add a shot of rum or vodka for an adult version of this refreshing drink.
- Include other fruits: Experiment with adding other fruits like raspberries or peaches for a different twist.
In the kitchen tips
- Steep hibiscus for 5-7 minutes for optimal flavor and benefits. For a stronger taste, steep up to 10 minutes.
- For a sun-soaked tea, steep the hibiscus in a clear pitcher under direct sunlight for 2-3 hours for a naturally brewed and vibrant flavor.
- Brew the hibiscus tea a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge to make this recipe come together super fast.
- Start with the minimum recommended amount of maple syrup and gradually add more to suit your taste.
- Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a lemon wheel, and a sprig of mint for a picture-perfect presentation.
- This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Store in an air-tight pitcher or bottle to maintain freshness and flavor.
FAQ
Yes, brew the hibiscus tea up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to assemble and it comes together fast.
Hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free.
Yes, frozen strawberries work great and may even help cool the drink without extra ice.
Yes, this lemonade is kid-friendly and is a great alternative to store-bought drinks.
Yes, hibiscus tea can interact with certain medications, due to its blood pressure-lowering effects. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider if you're on medications.
Absolutely! Besides making a refreshing lemonade, hibiscus tea can be used in cocktails, smoothies, and even in cooking to add a tart flavor and vibrant color to dishes.
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The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
Equipment
- high-speed blender or a regular blender
Ingredients
- 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 and lemon slices, and/or fresh mint leaves.
Instructions
- Hibiscus tea: In a tea kettle, start by bringing your water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, and place hibiscus tea bags (OR dried hibiscus flowers) into the kettle. Steep for 5-7 minutes (the longer it sits, the stronger your tea will be). Then, take out the tea bags (or strain out the flowers), and let the tea cool.
- Strawberry puree: Wash and slice your strawberries and add them to a blender along with ¼ cup of the cooled hibiscus tea. Puree (blend until smooth), and optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag for a smoother texture.
- In a large pitcher, combine the remaining cooled hibiscus tea, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust to your liking: For more sweetness, add more syrup, and for more tartness, add more lemon juice. Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices, more fresh strawberries, and a sprig or two of mint. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can brew the hibiscus tea up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time when you’re ready to make the lemonade. If the tea is already made and chilled, the recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
Nutrition
Hibiscus tea strawberry-lemonade refresher is a delicious go-to beverage for warm summer days—and offers a powerhouse of health benefits.
Whether you’re looking for a new staple in your wellness routine or a refreshing way to stay cool this summer, this drink is a top pick among hibiscus tea recipes. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile—healthy options don’t have to be complicated or bland.
I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Share in the comments below what creative and fun twists you put into it!
Julie Gaeta says
I absolutely love making this during strawberry season, though it’s delicious anytime! It’s a perfect balance of tart and sweet—and disappears fast! Enjoy!