Name: Hibiscus Tea with Dried Flowers
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried hibiscus flower petals; 2 cups of water (preferably filtered); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Jump to Recipe

So tasty whether hot or cold, this hibiscus tea is fresh, tart and subtly floral. Serve it on a hot summer day over ice, or steaming on a chilly fall day.

dried hibiscus flowers in a jar — *This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here*.

This is currently my favorite way to enjoy a drink on a hot summer day. I make a large pot, keep it in the fridge and pour a glass before I head outside to sit in the sun. Cools me right off!

And it goes without saying, but the color is just beyond beautiful!

I know that is something that will lift my spirits in the dead of winter: a cup of hot tea the color of magenta!

Most of us don't have access to fresh hibiscus flowers, but dried hibiscus petals are quite easy to find online and in your local grocery store. Plus they work just great!

If you're looking for more comforting teas, check out this chocolate mint tea latte. It's warming and cooling all at the same time!

Hibiscus Tea Around the World

Hibiscus tea is a very popular drink in some parts of Africa, Mexico, South America and Central America. It's commonly known there as agua de Jamaica or Jamaica tea. Fun fact, it's a central part of Christmas celebrations in the Caribbean and commonly toasted at wedding celebrations in Egypt and Sudan!

In Thailand, it's served cold and heavily sweetened, while in Europe it's served hot with a little sugar and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

There are over 200 species of hibiscus around the world (WHAT?!) and the one most commonly used to make hibiscus tea is called hibiscus sabdariffa.

Is Hibiscus Tea Healthy?

Filtered water - We use a Berkey water filter to filter our water. It removes all the junk while retaining the beneficial minerals in the water! I have a full review of it here.

Hibiscus - Has some amazing benefits. This flower is packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, which can cause major damage to the cells in your body. Many studies have also shown that consuming hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Hibiscus may also improve liver health, promote weight loss, prevent cancer and more!

Lemon juice - Lemons are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, a vitamin essential for heart health, preventing kidney stones and iron absorption. Lemon juice is also a source of natural electrolytes. The amount used in this tea is small, so it's mainly for a little more flavor!

Maple syrup - It's high in sugar but we use as little as possible in this recipe to still yield a great result. You can also use more or less, depending on your sweetness preference. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener and also contains some vitamins and minerals.

Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea may have negative side effects if taken in extremely high amounts (so high you probably won't drink that much, but it's good to be aware and talk to your healthcare provider before taking). These side effects may include:

Stomach upset
Gas
Constipation
Headache
Damage to the liver
Induced labor
Interference with certain medications (consult your doctor)
Decreased blood pressure (if you already have low blood pressure, you'll want to be aware of that!)

Just as with anything, enjoy it in moderation!

Is HIbiscus Tea Safe During Pregnancy?

If taken in very high amounts, hibiscus tea may cause hormone fluctuations, miscarriage and/or induce early labor. Consult your midwife or doctor on this, but it may be best to avoid it throughout your entire pregnancy.

Where to Get HIbiscus FLowers

I can get a large bag of dried hibiscus flowers at any of the local health food stores, but they can easily be found online as well. You can find them in loose tea or in tea bags.

dried hibiscus petals on a white surface

What Does Hibiscus Tea Taste Like?

It doesn't taste as flowery as many other teas made from flowers. It has a fresh and tart flavor similar to cranberry juice. I like to add some sweetener and lemon juice, but the tea tastes fine without those as well!

WHAT KIND OF SWEETENER CAN I USE?

Any type of sweetener, whether liquid or granulated will work great. I use maple syrup because I love its flavor and that it's a natural substance, but feel free to use your favorite sweetener: honey, coconut sugar, brown sugar, white sugar, etc.

Tips for Making Hibiscus Tea

Keep in mind that the pink hibiscus color is potent, so may stain clothes!
Hibiscus flavor pairs well with many fruits, so you could add some cut up strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, etc to the water while steeping for some extra fruity flavor!
Make iced tea by chilling it in the fridge and serving over ice cubes. Such a refreshing drink on a hot day in summer!
Add some mint leaves for an extra cooling effect or a cinnamon stick to make it extra warm.
Pour into ice cubes trays to create beautiful pink ice cubes.
Add more lemon juice and/or sweetener based on your taste preferences.

cup of hibiscus tea on a green patio table

Tools You May Need

Pot or kettle

Tea ball, tea strainer or sieve

Measuring spoons