Hibiscus Tea

In order to keep hydrated during these hot summer months, it is important to drink a lot of fluids. It is always a good idea to have some variety in your diet and beverage intake. Although I am good at being creative in the kitchen (although not always successful), I am not great at varying my beverages. My mom, on the other hand, is a pro at creating her own concoctions. Her drinks are out of this world good — totally unique and delicious. She is known for her watermelon juice, limeade, and her hibiscus tea.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus Flower.

Hibiscus is a flower grown in tropical regions, such as Mexico. When dried, one can use it to create a distinct and tasty, tart treat. You can purchase dried hibiscus at most groceries that have international sections. And, obviously, you can even buy it online at amazon.com (because you can buy absolutely everything online at amazon). And did you know that Starbucks now sells a Very Berry Hibiscus Tea?

My mom, a native of Mexico, drank hibiscus tea throughout her childhood and continues to make it on a regular basis. It is easy to make and requires few ingredients. Hibiscus is high in Vitamin C and is good at lowering blood pressure — quite the nutritious value in a simple juice! Caution though, the flower is quite tart and requires a lot of honey to sweeten up the taste….

Ingredients:

Dried flowers

Dried flowers.

* Dried hibiscus

* Water

* Honey

Directions:

* Place the dried flowers in boiling water. Two handfuls of flowers to a gallon of water (approximately)

Pretty

Pretty flowers.

Check out the vibrant color that the flowers make. You could even use this to tie dye!

* Let the flowers soak in the boiling water for several hours

* Strain the flowers and discard them. The juice should be a dark and bright purple/red.

strainer

Strainers are a good kitchen tool and practical for more than just pasta.

action shot.

Action shot.

* Add honey to taste while stirring

Honey

The best type of honey is local honey. Eating a spoonful of local honey can actually help you with your allergies if you suffer from them. True tip.

Stir

Stir and serve. Preferably in a Mexican style jug.

* Chill, and serve!

This is a truly divine drink. My mom recently made a gallon of hibiscus tea and it disappeared in hours. Literally. Enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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4 Comments

  1. Hi Anika,

    May I know how many hours you let it soak in boiling water???

    Thanks and have a great day!

    • So sorry I was not more clear! First of all, you boil water with the flowers in it but then you can turn off the stove top and just have the flowers sit in the hot water….it doesnt have to be boiling the entire time! You can let the flowers soak for 20 minutes to 4 hours. 1 hour is probably best. Also, the flowers are super bitter so honey is key! Hope you enjoy the tea!!

  2. Hello Anika! I’m a big fan of tea especially green tea and hibiscus tea. Thanks for the detailed steps in making one. Hmm, does your mom grow her own hibiscus flowers? 🙂

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