Save
This vibrant hibiscus tea strawberry-lemonade refresher combines the tangy flavor of hibiscus with sweet strawberries and zesty lemon for a perfectly balanced summer drink. The deep ruby color makes it as beautiful as it is delicious, and it takes just minutes to prepare for instant refreshment.
I first created this drink during a particularly brutal heatwave when I needed something more exciting than plain water. Now it's my go-to entertaining beverage when guests come over – everyone always asks for the recipe!
Ingredients
- Water: the base of our drink that helps extract hibiscus flavor
- Hibiscus tea bags or dried flowers: provides that signature tart flavor and stunning ruby color
- Fresh strawberries: adds natural sweetness and complements the floral notes perfectly
- Lemon juice: balances the sweetness with bright acidity
- Maple syrup: natural sweetener that dissolves easily and adds depth
- Optional garnishes: like extra strawberry slices and mint leaves for a professional finishing touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew the Hibiscus Tea:
- Bring water to a complete boil in your kettle or pot. Remove from heat immediately once bubbling and add your hibiscus tea bags or dried flowers. Allow to steep for 5-7 minutes depending on how strong you want the flavor. Remember that the color will deepen the longer it steeps, creating that gorgeous ruby red hue. Remove tea bags or strain out flowers and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- Select ripe, vibrant strawberries and remove the stems. Slice them roughly and add to your blender with a quarter cup of the cooled hibiscus tea. Blend on high until completely smooth with no visible chunks remaining. For an extra smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing with a spoon to extract all the liquid. This step is optional but creates a more refined final product.
- Combine and Finish:
- In a large pitcher, pour your cooled hibiscus tea, followed by the strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir thoroughly with a long spoon until completely incorporated. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference. The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. Serve over ice in glasses garnished with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wheels, and mint sprigs for a professional presentation.
Save
The hibiscus flower is the star ingredient here, providing not only stunning color but also a wealth of health benefits. My grandmother used to make hibiscus tea in Mexico where it's known as "agua de jamaica" and served it cold with a touch of cinnamon. This recipe is my modern twist on her traditional refreshment.
Make It Ahead
This refresher actually improves when allowed to sit for a few hours, as the flavors meld together beautifully. You can prepare the entire beverage up to 24 hours before serving and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring, as some natural separation may occur. The hibiscus tea component can be made up to 3 days ahead, so you can split the preparation if needed.
Variations to Try
For adults only gatherings, this refresher transforms into an excellent cocktail base. Add a splash of white rum or vodka for an instant summer cocktail. For a sparkling version, replace half the water with sparkling water added just before serving. You can also experiment with different berries like raspberries or blackberries in place of strawberries for varied flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant refresher works beautifully alongside spicy foods, as the sweet-tart flavor profile helps cool the palate. Serve it at summer barbecues with grilled foods or alongside Mexican and Mediterranean dishes. For an elegant presentation at parties, freeze small strawberry pieces and mint leaves in ice cubes to use in the drinks. The drink also makes a wonderful base for homemade popsicles during the hottest days of summer.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well in this drink. Allow them to thaw slightly before blending for easier pureeing. Frozen berries may make the drink thicker and colder, which can be perfect for hot summer days. You might need to adjust the sweetener slightly as frozen strawberries can sometimes be less sweet than fresh ones.
- → How long can I store this drink in the refrigerator?
This hibiscus strawberry-lemonade refresher can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The hibiscus tea base alone can be stored for 2-3 days. For best flavor, add the fresh garnishes just before serving rather than storing them in the drink.
- → Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey makes an excellent substitute for maple syrup in this drink. Start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste. Other alternatives include agave nectar, simple syrup, or even a natural sweetener like stevia if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
- → Is there a way to make this into an alcoholic cocktail?
This refresher makes a wonderful base for cocktails. For a simple spike, add 1-2 oz of vodka or white rum per serving. For a spritzer version, mix the refresher with equal parts prosecco or champagne. A splash of triple sec or elderflower liqueur would complement the floral notes beautifully.
- → What can I substitute for hibiscus tea if I can't find it?
If hibiscus tea is unavailable, cranberry juice can provide a similar tart, deep red alternative, though it will be sweeter. Rooibos tea with a splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice can also mimic the color and tartness. Berry-flavored herbal teas like raspberry or blackberry can work well too, creating a different but equally refreshing flavor profile.
- → Do I need to strain the strawberry puree?
Straining the strawberry puree is optional and depends on your texture preference. Straining creates a smoother, more elegant drink without seeds or pulp. If you enjoy a more rustic, full-bodied texture, you can skip the straining step. A high-speed blender will create a finer puree that may not need straining.