Nitrate & Nitrite Free Classic Hibiscus Iced Tea
That deep ruby color alone is enough to make anyone stop and stare, but the flavor is what really delivers — tart, floral, and refreshingly bright with a citrusy kick from fresh lime juice. This drink is made entirely from scratch with dried hibiscus flowers, a quick homemade simple syrup, and nothing else hiding in the mix. For anyone avoiding processed beverages, store-bought teas and flavored drinks can be a minefield of additives and preservatives, so brewing your own is genuinely the cleanest route. Steeping the hibiscus in just-boiled water pulls out every bit of that gorgeous color and complex flavor before the lime and syrup bring it all into balance. The result is a pitcher-ready drink that tastes like something you'd order at a nice café, made entirely from ingredients you can see and trust. Serve it over plenty of ice with a few lime slices and it's instantly the most impressive thing on the table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the simple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
For the tea
- ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lime slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- 2
Bring the remaining 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Remove from the heat, add the dried hibiscus flowers, and steep for 8–10 minutes, until the liquid is a deep ruby red.
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