Hibiscus tea has such a complex flavor that first time tasters will be surprised to discover that it is only dried hibiscus and sugar steeped in water. Bearing no resemblance at all to lowly Lipton, Hibiscus tea more closely resembles a wine cooler. The taste is familiar, but distinctly different: part citrus, part grape, possibly pomegranate, and a big dose of your garden when a soft breeze blows by.
How to Make Hibiscus Tea
I got the idea and instructions for making hibiscus tea from my Taste and Create partner this month, Liz at A Whisk and a Prayer. I had been talking about edible hibiscus the day before I got assigned to be her partner, so as soon as I saw this tea, I knew that it was what I wanted to make (and, of course, a cupcake that features hibiscus). Here’s how to brew hibiscus tea:
- 2 C dried hibiscus flowers, rinsed (I know that these may be hard to find. Look for them in the spice section of a Mexican grocer or you can buy hibiscus flowers online
.)
- 8 C water, divided
- 3/4 C sugar
- In a large saucepan on high heat, bring hibiscus flowers, 4 cups of water, and sugar to a boil.
- When it reaches a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to come to room temperature.
- Using a colander, strain out the hibiscus flowers. Don’t throw the flowers away! Save them to make candied hibiscus flowers.
- Add the remaining four cups of water.
- Stir and chill.
- Serve over ice.
here is so many inspirations!
have a nice time!
Paula
This tea looks simply AMAZING!!! I would think it would be pretty healthy too…
http://youngsophisticates.blogspot.com/
Interesting and original. Thank you.
It looks so refreshing.
Mimi
This is one of my favorite drinks. If you’re ever in a Latin American restaurant, you will see it on the menu as Jamiaca (pronounced ha-mai-ka), FYI.
Hibiscus tea is very popular in hot countries like Thailand because it cools the body. Thanks for the recipe
Very interesting tea! I’m looking forward to your cupcake creation using this flavor. Perhaps you could make a sorbet as well? (greedy me!) lol
jessyburke88@gmail.com
I just love your hibiscus photo… like a sculpture… really special, thanks!
Yay! I’m so glad you liked the tea! I will be posting my side of things soon! Have a wonderful day!
Jess – Ooh. It would make a great sorbet. I do have some hibiscus left over. I may give it a try. No promises though.
Hi – What a great post and a gorgeous shot of those dried flowers! I chose it as my Weekly WOW! – please head over and check it out. If you choose to, you can now display the Weekly WOW! winners’ badge. You’ll find it on my Blogga Bling page. Cheers!
Thanks, Ruby! My husband, Jonathan, takes all of the photos. He does amazing work!
Well yes he does! I’ll amend the by-line to add him in.
My mom actually has a hibiscus tree – do you know if I can just dry the flowers off of there, or is there something that needs to be done with them before using them to prepare tea/food with them?
Thanks!
Kiki – I am no expert on this, but from Wikipedia, it looks like it should be a certain variety of hibiscus. Here’s a link to the article.
I feel like I’m a little late on the pickup, but just in case someone else stumbles upon this awesome recipe…
One: though tantalizingly delicious, be careful drinking too much…let’s just say that it naturally has properties to help you have to run to the bathroom. Haha
Two: the addition of lime cinnamon and clove gives this unique drink an amazing twist. I put lime juice in to taste after it’s brewed, but steep 2-3 cloves and about tbsp of cinnamon or to taste. Also this tea is great hot or cold. C’est Parfait!
I absolutely adore your web site. This article in particular is near & dear to my heart. The item you call “Hibiscus” is actually named Sorrel here in my Caribbean island of Trinidad. There is the red & even a white variety. It’s used to make jam & our National Christmas Sorrel drink for the holidays. Would love to see you come up with a cake and frosting recipe using it. Great job on all of your creations, they really are inspirational.