The First Sip of Summer
Let’s make a drink that tastes like a sunny afternoon. This Hibiscus Iced Tea recipe is my favorite. It is a beautiful ruby red color. It tastes both tart and sweet.
I first had it at a friend’s garden party. The pitcher was almost gone in minutes! Everyone wanted more. That is how you know a drink is good. What is your favorite drink to share with friends?
Why This Tea Feels Special
This is not just any homemade iced tea. Hibiscus is a healthy herbal tea. It has no caffeine, so the whole family can enjoy it. That matters to me. I like drinks that bring everyone together.
Adding mint makes it a refreshing hibiscus tea. The mint wakes up the flavor. It makes your whole mouth feel cool. Doesn’t that sound perfect for a hot day? This is why it’s a truly easy summer drink.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
My grandson once tried to make this. He used every mint leaf from my little pot! The tea was very, very minty. We still laugh at that. Now we measure together.
This is the joy of The Family That Cooks Together. It is about the messy, funny tries. Learning how to make Hibiscus Iced Tea is simple. But the memories you make are the sweetest part. Do you have a funny kitchen story?
Making Your Cold Hibiscus Tea
Use a big pitcher. Put your tea bags in it. Then add hot water and honey. The hard part is waiting for it to steep. I use that hour to tidy up or read.
After an hour, take the bags out. Let the tea get cold in the fridge. Right before serving, stir in your fresh mint. This keeps it bright and green. *Fun fact: Hibiscus flowers are what give this tea its tangy taste and pretty color!*
Serving With a Smile
Fill glasses with lots of ice. Pour your beautiful tea over it. I like to add a dried flower on top. It looks so fancy but is so easy.
This hibiscus tea with mint reminds me of Geoffrey Zakarian recipes. They are simple but feel special. That matters too. Food and drink should make an ordinary day feel like a celebration. Will you try making this for someone you love this week?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hibiscus tea bags (or loose leaves) | 8 bags or 1 ounce | Use a sachet for loose leaves |
| Honey | 1⁄4 cup | Plus more to taste |
| Boiling water | 4 cups | |
| Fresh mint leaves | 1⁄4 cup | |
| Ice cubes | For serving | |
| Dried hibiscus flowers | For garnish |
How to Make Refreshing Hibiscus and Mint Iced Tea
Step 1: First, put your hibiscus tea bags in a big pitcher. Pour the boiling water right over them. Add the honey and give it a gentle stir. I love watching the water turn a deep, ruby red. Let it sit on the counter for a whole hour. (A heatproof pitcher is a must so it doesn’t crack!) This is the heart of your homemade iced tea.
Step 2: After an hour, take the tea bags out. Now, pop the pitcher into the fridge. Let your cold hibiscus tea get nice and chilly for another hour. This waiting is the hardest part, isn’t it? While you wait, you can wash your mint. Do you think the tea is sweeter before or after it’s cold? Share below!
Step 3: Time to finish! Stir the fresh mint leaves right into the pitcher. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Fill your glasses to the top with ice. Pour your refreshing hibiscus tea over the ice. I like to add a dried flower on top for fun. This easy summer drink is perfect for sharing.
Creative Twists
Add a few sliced strawberries for a fruity punch. Swap the honey for a splash of orange juice. Freeze mint leaves into your ice cubes for a pretty look. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This healthy herbal tea is lovely all on its own. For a snack, try it with a plate of lemon cookies. It also pairs well with a light salad for lunch. I often serve it from my sunniest pitcher. It just makes everyone smile. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Tea Fresh and Cool
Let’s talk about storing your homemade iced tea. Always keep it in the fridge. A covered pitcher is perfect for this. I like glass so I can see that pretty red color. You can also freeze some tea in ice cube trays. This is a fun fact: tea cubes won’t water down your next glass!
I remember my first big batch of hibiscus tea. I left it on the counter by mistake. Let’s just say it did not stay refreshing. Batch cooking this tea is a wonderful idea. It means a cool drink is always ready for you or guests. This matters because it saves you time on hot days. You can relax instead of fussing in the kitchen.
To reheat, you usually won’t need to! This is a cold drink. But if you want a warm cup, gently warm it on the stove. Do not let it boil. You worked hard to get those lovely flavors just right. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Tea Troubles
Sometimes our tea doesn’t turn out just right. That’s okay. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your tea is too weak, you didn’t steep it long enough. Let those tea bags sit for the full hour. I once got distracted and my tea was like pink water. Steeping time matters because it builds the deep, tangy flavor we love.
Second, if your tea is too tart, add a bit more honey. Start with one extra teaspoon. Stir well and taste. Sweetness should balance the sour hibiscus. Third, if the mint taste is too strong, use fewer leaves next time. Or add the mint just before serving, not before chilling.
Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn what you like. This matters because cooking should be joyful, not stressful. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What are the health benefits of hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is a healthy herbal tea full of good things. It has vitamin C and antioxidants. These help your body fight germs and stay strong. Some people find it helps them feel refreshed and calm. It is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it a great drink for any time of day.
How do you make mint iced tea from scratch?
Follow this Hibiscus Iced Tea recipe but focus on the mint. You can use black or green tea bags. Steep them in boiling water with honey. After chilling, stir in a big handful of fresh mint leaves. This is how to make a refreshing homemade iced tea with a garden-fresh taste.
Can you use fresh mint for iced tea?
Yes, always use fresh mint if you can. It gives the best flavor. Gently crush the leaves in your hand first. This releases their wonderful oils. Then stir them into your cold hibiscus tea. Dried mint is not as good for this easy summer drink.
What does hibiscus and mint tea taste like?
This hibiscus tea with mint is tangy and sweet. The hibiscus is tart like cranberries. The honey smooths it out. The fresh mint adds a cool, bright finish. Together they make a perfectly refreshing hibiscus tea. It tastes like a summer garden in a glass.
Is hibiscus mint tea good for weight loss?
It can be part of a healthy plan. This tea is very low in calories, especially if you go light on honey. It is much better than sugary sodas. Drinking it helps you stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is important for your whole body. But no drink alone makes you lose weight.
How long does homemade hibiscus iced tea last in the fridge?
Your homemade iced tea will keep for about four days. Keep it in a sealed pitcher. The flavor is best within the first two days. The mint may fade after that. Always give it a little stir before you pour a new glass. Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cold hibiscus tea as much as I do. It reminds me of sunny afternoons on the porch. Recipes from books like *The Family That Cooks Together* bring us all closer. Geoffrey Zakarian recipes always teach me something new, too.
Making this easy summer drink is a simple joy. I would love to hear about your time in the kitchen. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. I read every one.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Cooling Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea
Description
A refreshing and vibrant iced tea made with hibiscus and fresh mint, lightly sweetened with honey.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heatproof pitcher, combine the hibiscus tea bags or sachet, honey, and boiling water. Let steep for 1 hour at room temperature.
- Remove the tea bags and refrigerate the tea for 1 hour, or until chilled.
- Stir in the mint. Pour the hibiscus tea into ice-filled glasses, garnish with dried hibiscus flowers, and serve.
Notes
- Adjust honey to your preferred sweetness. For a stronger mint flavor, gently muddle the mint leaves before stirring them in.