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In this post, I’d like to share a simple homemade hibiscus tea recipe, which you can also use to make sugar-free popsicles for your kids.
Being a dietitian, I know all about the many benefits of staying optimally hydrated. Nonetheless, I still struggle drinking enough water.
I’m sure I’m not the only one experiencing this, but I just find drinking plain water so boring! That’s why I’m always on the lookout for interesting ways to hydrate without water.
Last summer, I added a hibiscus plant to my garden with the intention to use it to make tea. However, I had yet to harvest it. So when a heat wave hit a few weeks ago, it gave me the extra motivation needed to research homemade hibiscus tea recipes and finally give them a try of my own.
Hibiscus tea can be made using both fresh or dried flowers. I decided to use them fresh, so I could enjoy the beverage immediately. That said, you can easily make it from dried flowers you purchase from your local tea shop, asian supermarket, or even online.
Here’s a video showing the step-by-step process I’ve used to make hibiscus iced tea. I’ll also show you how to easily turn said tea into kid-approved hibiscus-flavored popsicles.
Hibiscus tea recipe: step-by step process
My hibiscus plant isn’t the typical red-flowered variety, but it can apparently still be used to make homemade hibiscus tea. The end-product is less tart than typically reported with the red-flowered variety, and has a pleasant yet subtle flavor and aroma.
If you have access to the same hibiscus flowers as I do, I suggest letting them steep for slightly longer than the recommended 10-12 minutes if you want a stronger flavor.
How to personalize your tea to your liking
This beverage can be enjoyed both warm or cold, and spiced up with your choice of extra ingredients; be it fresh mint, basil, lemon or orange zest, or a touch of raw sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
I’ve added lemon zest and a touch of maple syrup to mine, and enjoyed it on ice. The kiddos loved the popsicles as well, so I can vouch for both options as for alternatives to water to stay well hydrated.
I’ll probably harvest some of the flowers and dry them so I can keep making hibiscus tea throughout the colder months too.
A few more hydrating recipes
Here are a few more plant-based recipe ideas, including an easy-to-make watermelon drink!
What are your favorite alternatives to plain water when trying to stay hydrated? Comment below to share them with me; all suggestions are welcome!
Even a slotted spoon would work or a collendar that you drain spaghetti in. You’re going to do a video you should have the right tools.i also would call it liquid not fuel. I have a couple hibiscus trees .will try it.
Hi Carole. A slotted spoon or fine sieve colander would work indeed. I prefer to keep my kitchen contents pretty minimal, but understand that what works for one, may not work for another. If you already own either of these tools, it should save you some time. Good luck with the recipe!