If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool you down on a hot day, The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher is just the thing. This drink combines the floral notes of hibiscus tea with sweet strawberries and zesty lemon juice. It’s perfect for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or simply lounging at home. Everyone will love it, and it’s super easy to make!
Why make this recipe
Making this refresher is not only simple but also a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of fresh ingredients. The combination of hibiscus tea, strawberries, and lemonade provides a vibrant look and a delicious flavor that can’t be beaten. Plus, it’s a great way to hydrate and enjoy something special without any artificial ingredients. You control what goes in your drink, and you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit your taste. It’s also colorful, making it an eye-catching addition to any table setting.
How to prepare The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
First, gather your ingredients. This recipe is designed for those who want a delightful refreshment without fuss. Let’s walk through the steps to create your cool drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 hibiscus tea bags (OR 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers)
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste, see Notes for substitutions)
- Optional toppings: Extra sliced strawberries and lemon slices, and/or fresh mint leaves
Steps:
Start by making the hibiscus tea. In a tea kettle, bring your water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, take it off the heat, and add in the hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus flowers. Let them steep for about 5-7 minutes. Remember, the longer it sits, the stronger the tea will be. When it’s ready, take out the tea bags or strain out the flowers and let the tea cool down.
Next, prepare the strawberry puree. Take your fresh strawberries, wash them, and slice them up. Add the strawberries to a blender along with 1/4 cup of the cooled hibiscus tea. Blend until the mixture is smooth. If you like, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag for an even smoother texture.
Now comes the fun part! In a large pitcher, combine the rest of the cooled hibiscus tea with the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste your creation! If you want it sweeter, just add a bit more syrup. If you prefer more tang, add a little more lemon juice.
Once you’re happy with the flavor, pour your refresher over ice. Feel free to add some personal touches on top. Garnish with lemon slices, a few extra fresh strawberries, or a sprig or two of mint. Now, sit back and enjoy your delightful drink!
How to serve The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
Serving this refresher is simple. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying some quiet time, pour the drink into glasses filled with ice. Make sure to include the tasty garnishes you prepared. This drink looks great and tastes even better served cold. Consider adding a fun straw for a festive touch. It’s perfect for sharing or sipping alone while reading a book or watching the sunset.
How to store The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
If you have leftovers, storing this refresher is easy. Keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a good stir and pour it over ice. The flavors might deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!
Tips to make The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher perfectly
To make this refresher just right, use fresh ingredients. Ripe strawberries will add the best flavor. Also, remember to taste your drink as you mix it. Each batch can vary. Adjust the sweetness with the maple syrup according to your preference. If you want a more vibrant color, add a bit more hibiscus tea. If you’re hosting, consider making this drink a few hours ahead. Let it chill in the fridge so that it’s good and cold when serving.
Variations
Feel free to mix things up a little! You can swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. This works especially well if you have seasonal fruits available. You might also try adding a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly effect. For a more tropical twist, consider adding a bit of coconut water or a splash of pineapple juice.
FAQ
Q: Can I use sweeteners other than maple syrup?
A: Yes! You can use honey, agave nectar, or any sweetener of your choice. Just adjust the amount to taste.
Q: Can I make this drink ahead of time for a party?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the entire drink a few hours ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator.
Q: Is hibiscus tea good for you?
A: Yes, hibiscus tea is known for its health benefits. It may help lower blood pressure and is rich in antioxidants.
Now that you have the recipe and all the details, you’re ready to create The Best Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher. Enjoy making and sipping this delicious and refreshing drink!
Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher
Ingredients
For the hibiscus tea
- 2 cups water For boiling to make tea
- 2 bags hibiscus tea bags Or 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers
For the refresher
- 1/2 cup strawberries Fresh, washed, and sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup Adjust to taste; see notes for substitutions
Optional garnishes
- as needed pieces sliced strawberries For garnish
- as needed pieces lemon slices For garnish
- as needed sprigs fresh mint leaves For garnish
Instructions
Making the Hibiscus Tea
- In a tea kettle, bring your water to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus flowers.
- Let steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove tea bags or strain out the flowers.
- Allow the tea to cool down.
Preparing the Strawberry Puree
- Wash and slice the fresh strawberries.
- Add strawberries and 1/4 cup of cooled hibiscus tea to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and strain if desired.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large pitcher, combine the rest of the cooled hibiscus tea, strawberry puree, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
- Stir until well mixed, adjusting sweetness or tartness to taste.
Serving the Refresher
- Pour the refresher over ice in glasses and garnish as desired.
- Enjoy your delightful drink!
