The best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry Lemonade Refresher— fruity and naturally sweetened. With the tangy zest of hibiscus and lemon balanced by sweet strawberries, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
Love bright, fruity drinks? Check out my Iced Green Tea Lemonade, Blueberry Lemonade, or Aguas Frescas for the ultimate lineup.
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 about the many health benefits of hibiscus. (Sidenote: It’s an amazing book, I highly recommend it.)
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.
Why you'll love Hibiscus Tea Strawberry Lemonade
- 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!
Jump to:
Good for you benefits
- Hibiscus: Helps lower blood pressure and is rich in antioxidants.
- Strawberries: Boosts immunity and are packed with vitamin C.
- Lemon: Rich in vitamin C and can help boost immune function.
- Maple syrup: 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.
Hibiscus Strawberry Lemonade Refresher FAQs
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 even help cool the drink without extra ice.
Yes, this lemonade is kid-friendly and is a great alternative to store-bought drinks.
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.
Instead of maple syrup, you can use agave nectar, cane sugar, coconut sugar (dissolve in warm tea first so it’s not gritty), or honey if you're not vegan. I haven’t tested all of these myself, so you may need to adjust amounts and taste as you go.
I can’t wait for you to try this hibiscus tea strawberry-lemonade! If you make it, use #becomingyouwithjulie and tag me, @becomingyouwithjulie on Instagram — I’d love to see yours! And if you have a sec, a quick comment or rating below the recipe card helps more than you know. Thanks so much for being here! 💛
📖 Recipe
The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
Equipment
- High-speed blender or a regular blender
- Fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag
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, see Notes for substitutions
- 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.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with agave nectar (start with slightly less), date syrup, or honey (if you’re not vegan). If using honey, keep in mind it'll be just a touch sweeter, and you'll need to stir it in while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily.
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
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!
Ina Grice says
What if you don’t like MAPLE . Anything else I can use
Julie Gaeta says
You could use agave nectar (start with just slightly less), date syrup, or honey (if you’re not vegan). Honey is just a touch sweeter. If using, just be sure to stir it in while the tea is still warm so it dissolves easily. Hope this helps! 😊