Iced Hibiscus Tea: Spiced and Spiked!
Iced and spiced hibiscus tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that's perfect for a hot summer day. This recipe combines fresh or dried hibiscus flowers with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger to create a tangy and aromatic tea that's both sweet and spicy. The best part? It's easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking. For those looking for an extra kick, we've included the option to spike your hibiscus tea with white rum, adding a delightful boozy twist to this already delicious drink. So grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a pitcher of this tasty and refreshing hibiscus tea.
Spiced Hibiscus Tea: Iced or Spiked
Looking for a refreshing and flavorful summer beverage? Try our spiced hibiscus tea recipe that can be enjoyed iced or spiked with white rum for an extra kick!
Hibiscus tea is an infusion made from pretty red flowers from the hibiscus sabdariffa plant which grows in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Here in Bermuda, they grow in abundance in our back garden, however if you are from a cooler region, you can easily swap for dried flowers. The taste will be just as delicious.
Hibiscus tea has a certain astringency that makes for wonderful mocktails without adding alcohol. However, I love the addition white rum for a flavourful tropical rum punch, but this is purely optional.
Is Hibiscus Tea and Agua de Jamaica the Same?
Yes, both are the same drink. Agua de Jamaica, pronounced HA-MY-CAH is a popular Mexican drink served in Taquerias and is made from either fresh or dried hibiscus flowers with added sugar. Agua de Jamaica, sometimes referred to as Agua de Flor de Jamaica in Spanish means Jamaica water or flower water. This type of tea can be enjoyed hot or iced.
What Changes the Colour From Red to Bright Pink?
Hibiscus tea is such a pretty colour and when something acidic such as lemon juice is added, the colour changes to an even prettier bright fluorescent pink colour. Compounds known as anthocyanins are commonly found in flowers including beautiful hibiscus flowers. When something acidic is added, the pH level changes and causes a colour change of the tea liquor.
What Does Hibiscus Tea Taste Like?
The taste of this type of tea is tart and has a likeness to cranberry juice. It’s always a good idea to add sugar, honey or agave to hibiscus to offset the tangy taste, but this is purely optional.
What Spices go with Hibiscus?
Because hibiscus tea has a unique tart astringency, spices such as cinnamon and ginger go with it incredibly well. This recipe for iced, spiced and spiked hibiscus is made with cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, cloves and a pinch of black pepper inspired by the flavours of masala chai. Plus there’s the option to add a shot of white rum or any of your favourite alcohol to make it a delicious summer cocktail.
Read More: 10 Refreshing Tea Recipes for Summer
What are the Health Benefits and Risks of Hibiscus
Drinking hibiscus tea comes with many health boosting benefits including helping to lower blood pressure, aiding in lowering cholesterol, it contains high amounts of immune defending vitamin c and some reports show that hibiscus tea can ease period pains. Plus it’s naturally caffeine free so hibiscus is a great choice for any time of the day. Some of the reported side effects include headache, nausea and some individuals get something called ‘hibiscus drunk’ which is likely down to the blood pressure lowering properties of the flower. Allergy sufferers can sometimes have negative effects after drinking this tea as some of the pollen may remain even after thoroughly washing the petals.
Tips for Making the Best Spiced Agua de Jamaica!
Fresh or Dried: You can use either fresh dried dried flowers for this recipe. Use half a teaspoon of herb per fresh flower. This recipe serves 8 and calls for 12-16 fresh flowers, that’s 6-8 teaspoons of dried herb. Adjust the quantities to taste.
Sweetener: Sweeten with any sweetener of choice. I like to use white sugar in this particular recipe as it allows all the other flavours to come through perfectly. Switch to honey, maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
Coffee Press: I love using a coffee press to make loose leaf iced tea or fresh flower iced tea. The press allows the tea/tisane room to move around and properly infuse, plus the lid locks in all the essential oils and aromas so the goodness stays in. You can use a teapot with a strainer or a glass jug with a plate on top.
Alcohol: I love adding white rum for a deliciously pretty tropical cocktail, but this is purely optional.
Make it Hot: You can make it a hot toddy by using half the amount of flowers/dried herb and simply pouring into cups or mugs without the ice and enjoy. Add a shot of your favourite tipple if you wish.
How to Make my Iced, Spiced and Spiked Hibiscus Tea From Scratch
INGREDIENTS (Serves 8)
12-16 Fresh Hibiscus Flowers (or 6-8 Teaspoons of Dried Herb)
1 Cup White Sugar - Adjust to Taste
1/2 Tsp Ginger
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Cloves
1/4 Tsp Cardamom
Pinch of Black Pepper
Slices of Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Limes, Oranges etc)
Lots of Ice
Rum - Optional
Cinnamon Sticks & Slices of Citrus - to Serve
METHOD
If using fresh flowers, remove the stem, calyx and pistil of each flower. Thoroughly wash the petals to remove bugs, pollen and dirt.
Add the spices, sugar and petals/dried petals to your coffee press/teapot or jug. Fill with 4 cups of freshly boiled water and allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes.
Once the tea has fully infused, plunge your coffee press and pour over a large jug filled with ice and slices of citrus fruit. Alternatively, filter out the petals and spices with a tea strainer.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to turn the colour from dark to a bright pink colour.
Add more ice to glasses, add an optional shot of white rum in each and top up with your hibiscus punch.
Garnish with slices of lemons and limes and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy :)
Read More Refreshing Tea Recipes
It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.