Artificial Food Coloring Free Hibiscus-Berry Tulsi Lemon Tea
That deep ruby-red color in your glass comes entirely from dried hibiscus flowers and real mixed berries — no dyes, no synthetic additives, just plants doing what they do best. For anyone navigating artificially colored beverages, store-bought fruit teas and flavored drinks are a minefield of Red 40 and other synthetic dyes that can be genuinely hard to avoid. This recipe sidesteps all of that by building its gorgeous hue and bold flavor from scratch, using ingredients you can actually pronounce. The combination of tart hibiscus, bright lemon juice, and fragrant tulsi creates something that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. A pinch of turmeric and ginger round out the flavor with gentle warmth, making this feel like a proper wellness drink rather than a watered-down herbal tea. It works beautifully served hot on a slow morning or poured over ice when you want something refreshing and vibrant. Either way, you'll know exactly what's giving it that stunning color — and it's nothing but nature.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- ½ cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
- 8 fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves, or 2 tsp dried tulsi
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1–2 tbsp honey, to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, dried hibiscus flowers, mixed berries, tulsi leaves, ground turmeric, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the liquid is deep ruby-red and fragrant.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the honey until fully dissolved, then add the lemon juice.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!