Sweet & Refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes hibiscus tea taste better? ›

The tart and fruity taste of hibiscus tea is reminiscent of cranberry juice, and similar to raw hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus tea tastes naturally lightly sweet, but if you're worried about a sour tea, you can enhance a cup with a drizzle of honey or agave, a sprinkle of cane sugar, or a spritz of lemon or lime juice.

Hibiscus Flavor Pairings

Its fruit-leaning profile pairs perfectly with dark red fruits like sweet cherry and cranberry or refreshing citrus fruits like tangerine, lemon and orange peel (FoodPairing™).

Turn the heat on medium in a small pot add hibiscus leaves, sugar, 4 tea bags and 2 quarts of water, bring to a boil and let sit for 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon remove hibiscus leaves and tea bags. Fill a gallon pitcher, with remaining water, sweet tea and ice, stir a few times, taste and adjust sweetness.

Some research points toward high concentrations of hibiscus extract potentially causing liver damage. Remember that the hibiscus family contains many species, and not all are suitable for food. The plant that is growing in your yard may not be an edible variety.

Hibiscus sabdariffa tea has been used safely in amounts of up to 720 mL daily for up to 6 weeks. Side effects are uncommon but might include stomach upset, gas, and constipation. Pregnancy: Hibiscus sabdariffa is possibly unsafe to use during pregnancy.

Since hibiscus tea does not have caffeine and has potential health benefits, it's often a beverage of choice for tea drinkers in the evening hours before going to bed. Known for being a soothing and relaxing beverage, it's versatile and can be enjoyed hot or chilled.

Use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure. Interactions. Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria drugs. It can also interact with many other drugs including some for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Not only does hibiscus tea come with a heap of antioxidants but it also brings antibacterial properties to the table too. Test tube studies have shown that hibiscus extract can inhibit E-coli and in other studies hibiscus was also seen to fend off eight different strains of bacteria.

Add sweeteners: Hibiscus tea pairs well with sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or stevia. A touch of sweetness can balance the tartness and make the tea more palatable.

Hibiscus tea is made from tropical Hibiscus flowers, which gives it a tart, earthy flavor. The sweetness of the pomegranate complemented the earthy tea, which gave it a balanced taste. Although the prices at Starbucks stores in Singapore can be quite expensive, I'd happily buy this iced tea again.

Can we drink hibiscus tea daily? ›

Hibiscus is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts in tea (2 to 4 cups per day) and foods. However, Kristin Draayer, M.S., RDN, advises that high doses can cause toxicity. Draayer also notes that hibiscus may interact with certain medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes.

Do test your tea after 5 minutes for tartness – The longer your tea steeps, the tarter it will become. To prevent it from becoming too sour for your taste, start with 5 minutes of steeping time. You can always keep the leaves in the water a little longer if needed.

Is it OK to drink hibiscus tea every day? This may depend on the individual. A 2020 review notes that some evidence suggests 2–3 cups per day may be beneficial for high blood pressure.

You should drink 3 to 4 cups of this tea daily, half an hour before your main meals. The tea should be taken without sugar to achieve the expected effect, however optimal weight loss results will be noted when combined with a balanced diet and physical exercise.

Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with losartan might increase the levels of losartan in the body. This might increase the effects and side effects of losartan. Hibiscus sabdariffa might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Hibiscus sabdariffa along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.

It can be paired with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and mezcal co*cktails—or added to sparkling wines or seltzers.

Rosehips, lemongrass, mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lime, lemon, and orange all blend really well with hibiscus. In the summer, I make an iced tea I call Summer Wedding Tea that mixes orange peel, chamomile, lemon verbena, raspberry leaf, and hibiscus.

When drinking hibiscus tea, people with diabetes or those taking drugs for high blood pressure should keep an eye on their blood sugar and blood pressure levels. This is because it might lower blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Hibiscus tea should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or nursing.