Citrus-Infused Iced Hibiscus Tea

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This refreshing iced tea blends floral hibiscus with bright citrus notes, perfect for a cooling summer beverage. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together dried hibiscus flowers, water, honey for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 40 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 40 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and steep for 15 minutes until deep red and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Strain the hibiscus infusion through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Stir in 2 tbsp honey while the tea is still warm until fully dissolved.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 6 fresh orange slices to the pitcher. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: To serve, fill glasses with 2 cups ice cubes and pour the chilled hibiscus tea over the ice. Garnish each glass with 1-2 fresh mint leaves for a bright herbal note.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Iced Hibiscus Tea take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Iced Hibiscus Tea?

Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused iced hibiscus tea in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Iced Hibiscus Tea?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Infused Iced Hibiscus Tea for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Infused Iced Hibiscus Tea?

General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.