Ruby red hibiscus tea is probably the most vibrant of all the herbal teas ~ it’s refreshing, hydrating, and may carry some surprising health benefits!
Hey Friends! Healthy hydration is my pain point ~ I’m a coffee in the morning and wine at night type. So when I come across a vibrant caffeine and sugar-free drink like hibiscus tea, I’m all over it.
Why You’ll Love It Too
- its a gorgeous deep red color with a tart, almost cranberry-like flavor. Hint: kids love it!
- It works well hot or iced (we’re definitely icing it now.)
- It contains powerful antioxidants. Some Clinical studies suggest it can help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can’t wait for you to try this herbal tea ~ let me know what you think!
Hibiscus tea is an herbal infusion (or tisane) made from steeping dried hibiscus petals in boiling water. Since it doesn’t contain true tea leaves (from the Camellia sinensis plant) it’s not technically a “tea,” but the process is the same ~ hot water draws out flavor, color, and wellness-boosting compounds from the plant.
dried hibiscus ~ where to buy it
Hibiscus is grown in warm places like Mexico, India, Egypt, or Thailand. You’ll find it sold as “hibiscus petals” or “flor de jamaica,” especially in Latin or international markets.
You might spot dried hibiscus in some well-stocked U.S. supermarkets, especially in the tea or international aisle, but it’s hit or miss. Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or natural food co-ops are more likely to carry it. And it’s always easy to find online from spice shops, tea retailers, or Amazon.
online hibiscus tea brands I recommend
storing herbal teas
Just keep your hibiscus sealed tightly and away from sunlight. I like to use mason jars so I can easily see what I’ve got on the pantry. Dried hibiscus keeps its color and tart flavor for up to a year or more. Note: dried hibiscus petals can look very dark or almost black ~ but no worries, it will brew up into a brilliant red tea!
what is red drink?
At Juneteenth celebrations you’ll almost always find red drink ~ it could be a tea made with hibiscus or berries, or just a bright red soda.
The color red is symbolic of resilience, strength, and the bloodshed of enslaved ancestors and it traces back to West African traditions, where red-toned drinks were part of ceremonies and celebrations.
red tea comparison: Hibiscus vs. Rooibos vs. Rosehip
If you’re interested in making a red tea here’s a quick comparison of the different types:
Color
Hibiscus brews a deep crimson; rooibos, a warm red-orange; rosehip, a soft pink to red hue.
Flavor
Hibiscus is tart and fruity; rooibos is smooth and earthy with subtle sweetness; rosehip is tangy with floral, citrusy notes.
Caffeine
All three are naturally caffeine-free.
Origin
Hibiscus comes from the dried calyx of a tropical flower; rooibos is a South African shrub; rosehip is the fruit of the rose plant.
Health notes
Hibiscus may help lower blood pressure; rooibos is rich in antioxidants; rosehip is high in vitamin C and supports immune health.
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Hibiscus Tea
Ingredients
- 1/3-1/2 cup dried hibiscus
Instructions
- Place your dried hibiscus in a large mason jar or tea pot. You can also use a large pyrex measuring cup.
- Pour 4 cups boiling water over the hibiscus and give it a stir. Let steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer and enjoy as is, or with honey and lemon.
- For iced hibiscus tea let the tea cool, then chill. Serve over ice with honey and lemon.
Nutrition
more tea recipes
- How to Make Lemon Balm Tea
- How to Make Chamomile Tea
- Spruce Tip Tea
- Sweet Moroccan Mint Tea (Hot or Iced)
- How to Make Bee Balm Tea
Living just a few miles from the Mexico border this is a frequent drink found around here. Love it for the taste as well as the health benefits it gives. Just found your site when searching for a good green goddess dressing. Glad I did and hope to try more of your recipes.
Welcome in Marijke!