Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea

Short Description

Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea is a vivid, ruby-red refresher brewed from tangy hibiscus petals, sweetened with honey, and brightened by fresh raspberries and mint. Naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants, it delivers a fruity-floral lift ideal for hot afternoons, elegant brunches, or anytime hydration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Naturally caffeine-free yet invigorating

  • Rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins

  • Adjustable sweetness—honey, agave, or unsweetened

  • Scales effortlessly for gatherings

  • Jewel-toned colour that looks stunning in the glass

  • Make-ahead friendly; keeps well for days

  • Doubles as a cocktail base—add sparkling wine or gin

  • Freezer-friendly as flavoured ice cubes for spritzers

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 8 cups (2 L) water

  • 8 hibiscus tea bags, or 14 g loose dried hibiscus petals

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

  • ½–¾ cup honey, to taste

  • 8 fresh mint sprigs

  • Ice, for serving

Directions

  1. Boil and Sweeten – Bring the water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until dissolved.

  2. Steep – Add the hibiscus tea bags (or petals in an infuser). Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.

  3. Cool – Remove the tea bags or strain the petals. Transfer the brew to a heat-safe pitcher and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

  4. Chill with Fruit – Add the raspberries and mint. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavours meld and the tea becomes thoroughly cold.

  5. Serve – Fill tall glasses with ice. Optionally muddle a few raspberries in each glass, then pour the chilled tea over the ice and garnish with mint.

Servings and Timing

Yield Prep Steep Chill Total
8 servings (about 2 L) 5 min 20 min 60 min 1 hr 25 min

Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch; keep the steep time the same.

Variations

  • Citrus Twist – Replace 1 cup of water with freshly squeezed lime juice for a sharper finish.

  • Sugar-Free – Omit honey and sweeten by the glass with liquid stevia.

  • Sparkling – Top each serving with chilled soda water for gentle effervescence.

  • Herbal Blend – Steep a cinnamon stick or a slice of ginger with the hibiscus for subtle warmth.

  • Boozy Pitcher – Stir in 250 ml dry rosé or gin just before serving for an effortless cocktail.

storage/reheating

  • Refrigeration – Store strained iced tea (without ice) in a sealed pitcher for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer – Freeze leftovers in ice-cube trays; drop the cubes into water or lemonade for instant flavour.

  • Re-Serving – Tea stored in the fridge may appear slightly clouded; simply stir and pour over fresh ice. Reheating is unnecessary, though the tea can be warmed gently on the stove if a hot drink is desired.

FAQs

What does hibiscus taste like?

Hibiscus delivers a tart, cranberry-like flavour with delicate floral notes and a striking crimson colour.

Is Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea caffeine-free?

Yes. Hibiscus is an herbal infusion, so the drink contains no caffeine and is suitable for children and evening enjoyment.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Absolutely. Add them straight from the freezer; they help chill the tea while releasing flavour as they thaw.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace honey with an equal amount of agave syrup or simple syrup. Taste and adjust, as agave can be slightly sweeter.

Can I cold-brew instead of using hot water?

Yes. Combine all ingredients in cold water and refrigerate for 8–10 hours. Strain, sweeten if needed, and serve over ice.

Will green or black tea work with hibiscus?

You can blend in two green-tea bags for gentle caffeine. Steep them for only 3 minutes, then remove to avoid bitterness while the hibiscus finishes steeping.

How long can fruit stay in the pitcher?

For the freshest flavour, remove raspberries and mint after 24 hours; longer contact may cause off-flavours.

Does hibiscus really lower blood pressure?

Some studies suggest regular hibiscus consumption may reduce blood pressure. Consult your physician if you take antihypertensive medication.

Can I sweeten with granulated sugar?

Yes. Dissolve ½ cup sugar in the hot tea before steeping; sugar crystals may not melt fully in a cold-brew method.

Why does my tea taste metallic?

Very hard or mineral-rich tap water can react with tart hibiscus. Use filtered or spring water for a cleaner taste.

Conclusion

Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea pairs the brisk tang of hibiscus with naturally sweet raspberries and honey to produce a drink that is both health-conscious and visually stunning. Simple to prepare, adaptable, and make-ahead friendly, this vibrant infusion is poised to become your go-to pitcher beverage for picnics, garden parties, and daily refreshment.

Print

Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea

A vibrant, ruby-red herbal iced tea infused with tart dried hibiscus flowers and sweet fresh raspberries—perfectly refreshing for hot summer days.

  • Author: sarra
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 4 cups (about 1 liter) 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Steeping
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (5 g) dried hibiscus flowers
  • 1 cup (125 g) fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) agave syrup —or honey for a non-vegan option
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold water or chilled sparkling water
  • Ice cubes, to serve
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil.
  2. Remove from heat, add the dried hibiscus flowers, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, place the raspberries in a heat-safe pitcher and lightly mash with a spoon to release their juices.
  4. Strain the hibiscus tea through a fine sieve into the pitcher, discarding the flowers.
  5. Stir in the agave syrup until dissolved, then add the remaining 2 cups of cold water (or sparkling water for a fizzier drink).
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until thoroughly chilled.
  7. Serve over ice, garnished with extra raspberries and mint sprigs if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness to taste—start with less and add more if needed.
  • Swap agave for stevia or leave unsweetened for a zero-sugar version.
  • Try adding a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
  • The concentrate (before adding cold water) keeps for 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: raspberry hibiscus iced tea, herbal tea, summer drink, caffeine-free, vegan

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