Elderberry Hibiscus Sun Tea
This elderberry hibiscus sun tea combines simmered elderberries, hibiscus flowers, citrus, mint, and ginger for a fruity, refreshing herbal tea. Steeped in the sun for bold flavor and a beautiful ruby-red color, it's perfect served over ice on warm summer days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried elderberries
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus or flor de jamaica or 2-3 hibiscus tea bags
- 1 clementine quartered
- 1 lemon quartered
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1- inch piece of ginger sliced, and peeled if not organic
Instructions
- Bring 8 cups of water and the elderberries to a boil in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- While that is simmering, add hibiscus, clementine, lemon, mint, and ginger to a large glass jar with a cover. Set aside.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat once finished, and strain out the elderberries.
- Pour the elderberry-infused water into the glass jar, making sure all the ingredients are submerged.
- Cover and place in the sun to steep for 2–4 hours, depending on how strong you like the flavor.
- Once finished, transfer to a pitcher filled with ice cubes and additional garnishes of fruit and mint. Alternatively, refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and chilled.
Notes
- Plan for an additional 2–4 hours of steeping time in the sun after the elderberries have simmered.
- Elderberries should always be simmered before use.
- For the best flavor and color, use loose hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica).
- To make without sun steeping, simmer the elderberries as directed, then refrigerate the tea for 6–8 hours or overnight before straining.
- This tea is naturally tart and fruity. Taste it before adding any sweetener, as many people enjoy it unsweetened. If you prefer a sweetener, try a touch of maple syrup or honey (if you're not vegan). Add while the tea is still warm so it dissolves naturally.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.2mg
