Best Hibiscus Lemonade Recipe (Easy + Refreshing)
Hibiscus Lemonade is equal parts easy, refreshing and DELICIOUS. It’s sweetened with simple syrup which is so easy to make (but you have sugar options). It’s brimming with health benefits and most importantly fresh flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Make it on a hot summer day and you’ll be so glad you did!
If you are looking for a fun way to shake up your lemonade game, then look no further than Hibiscus Lemonade. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a pleasant floral aroma from the hibiscus. Plus the vibrant red color is just lovely. All you need is a few simple ingredients and the step-by-step instructions below to make this refreshing drink.
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Ingredients for hibiscus lemonade
- Hibiscus tea bags
- Water
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sugar – you can use cane sugar or regular sugar. I like using cane sugar because its less processed than granulated
And that’s it! I promised simple ingredients and it doesn’t get much simpler than this 🙂
What does hibiscus lemonade taste like?
This drink tastes like your classic tart lemonade but with a floral-y slightly earthy taste that balances out the sweetness and tartness so well. I’m actually not a huge lemonade person but I enjoy it so much more when other flavors are added and plus fresh squeezed lemonade is pretty hard not to like.
How to make it
Step-by-step instructions for hibiscus lemonade
Make the simple syrup. Combine equal parts water and cane sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Cook until boil, stir until sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat.
Steep the tea. Boil water and place the tea bags in the hot water to steep for 6 minutes.
Juice the lemons and strain out the pulp using a fine mesh strainer if desired. Add this to the tea to cool it down further. Then add the simple syrup.
Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes.
It’s best if you can at least let mixture come to room temperature so the ice doesn’t melt too much and water down the lemonade. You can place both in the fridge to cool them down a bit while you juice the lemons. Once the lemonade mixture has reached room temperature, pour it over the ice.
Taste and add more simple syrup if desired.
Serve immediately and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Is hibiscus lemonade good for you?
Hibiscus tea is made from dried hibiscus petals and offers several potential health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Hibiscus tea is loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids, which help combat free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels may contribute to improved heart health. Some research indicates that hibiscus tea may also help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants and other compounds in hibiscus tea possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
- Liver Health: Preliminary research suggests that hibiscus tea may have a protective effect on the liver by reducing oxidative stress and preventing damage to liver cells.
- Weight Management: Some studies suggest that hibiscus tea may aid in weight management by inhibiting the production of amylase, an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates. This could potentially reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and aid in weight loss.
- Digestive Health: Hibiscus tea has been traditionally used to support digestive health. It may help alleviate constipation and promote healthy digestion due to its natural diuretic properties.
- Boosts Immune System: The vitamin C content in hibiscus tea, along with its antioxidant properties, may help strengthen the immune system and protect against common illnesses like colds and flu.
- Hydration: Like other herbal teas, hibiscus tea is a hydrating beverage that can contribute to meeting daily fluid intake requirements, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
- Potential Cancer Prevention: Some research suggests that the antioxidants in hibiscus tea may have anticancer properties and could potentially help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. However, more studies are needed to confirm this effect.
It’s important to note that while hibiscus tea offers many potential health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake may lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or interference with certain medications. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have any existing health conditions or concerns.
Why you’ll love this lemonade
This lemonade is a refreshing break from regular lemonade and is just perfect on hot summer days or even just a kinda warm day!
You can add in fresh fruits for more interest and even throw in a few green tea bags with the hibiscus tea for a caffeine boost and more health benefits.
Homemade lemonade is a wonderful way to use up a lemon surplus (when life gives you lemons and all that jazz), plus you can use less sugar than store-bought and restaurant varieties.
Tried this recipe?
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More refreshing drink recipes
Best Hibiscus Lemonade Recipe (Easy + Refreshing)
A fun way to shake up classic lemonade! This Hibiscus Lemonade has the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a pleasant floral aroma from the hibiscus.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cane sugar or granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- 6 hibiscus tea bags
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (I used 4 lemons but they were super juicy)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup first. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small pot. Heat over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Steep the tea. Boil remaining 2 cups of water. In a large measuring cup or in your pitcher place tea bags and add boiling water. Steep for 6 minutes.
- Juice the lemons and add the 1 cup juice to the tea.
- Start by adding 1/2 cup of the simple syrup to the lemonade mixture. Taste and add more syrup as desired. I added another 1/4 cup.
- Allow the mix to chill or at least come to room temperature before filling a pitcher with ice and pouring tea mixture over it and serving.
- Enjoy!
