Description
This refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea Lemonade combines the tart, floral notes of hibiscus with the bright zest of fresh lemons to create a perfect cooling drink for hot summer days. Sweetened just right and chilled, it offers a naturally vibrant and invigorating beverage that’s easy to prepare and delightful to sip.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (for color and flavor)
- 4 cups filtered water (for brewing)
Lemonade Mixture
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 fresh lemons)
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste, alternatives like honey or agave syrup work as well)
Instructions
- Boil Water and Brew Hibiscus: Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers. Let the mixture steep for 5 to 7 minutes to extract the vibrant color and flavor, then strain the liquid into a large pitcher, removing the flower solids.
- Prepare Lemonade Mixture: In a separate bowl, squeeze the juice from 4 to 6 fresh lemons until you accumulate approximately 1 cup. Add 3/4 cup of sugar and stir thoroughly until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a smooth lemonade base.
- Combine Tea and Lemonade: Pour the brewed hibiscus tea into the pitcher containing the lemonade mixture. Stir well to blend the tart hibiscus and fresh lemon flavors evenly. Taste your concoction and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey if you prefer.
- Chill the Drink: Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures your beverage is refreshingly cold.
- Serve: Serve the hibiscus iced tea lemonade over ice cubes in tall glasses. Optionally, garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a lemon slice to enhance the presentation and add a subtle aromatic touch.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to preference by using less sugar or substituting with natural sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup.
- For a sparkling version, replace some of the water with sparkling water before serving.
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor and avoid bottled lemon juice.
- The steeping time can be adjusted if a stronger or milder hibiscus flavor is desired.
- Hibiscus flowers can be sourced from specialty tea shops or online.
