Easy Hibiscus Lemonade

ByBethany Galloway
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Refreshing, vibrant, and just the right touch of tangy sweetness—this homemade hibiscus lemonade recipe is perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. With simple ingredients and health benefits to boot, this delightful twist on regular lemonade will become your new go-to beverage.

A tall glass of red hibiscus iced tea with ice cubes and a lemon slice garnish. The background features a white cloth and lemon slices, creating a refreshing summer beverage setting.

I’ve made this refreshing hibiscus lemonade more times than I can count, and it never disappoints! The rich, red color not only looks stunning in a glass but tastes amazing too. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day, during summer gatherings, or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. This lemonade is a fun way to stay refreshed and a healthier alternative with less sugar and lots of Vitamin C.

Contents hide
1 Why you will love brewing this tea
2 Key ingredients and substitutions
3 How to make hibiscus lemonade
4 Recipe notes and tips
5 Variations
6 Storage instructions
7 Frequently asked questions
8 More tea recipes you will love
9 Hibiscus Lemonade Recipe

Why you will love brewing this tea

  • Quick & Easy: Mix it up in minutes—a simple, satisfying refreshment.
  • Health Benefits: Packed with Vitamin C and known to help lower blood pressure.
  • Kid-Friendly: Sweet, tangy, and a hit with the younger crowd.
  • Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual hangouts to festive parties.
  • Stunning Presentation: The deep red hue makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

Key ingredients and substitutions

  • Hibiscus Flowers or Tea Bags: Hibiscus petals have a tangy flavor and a vibrant red color. Depending on what’s available, you can use dried hibiscus flowers or tea bags.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemons are best for that zesty citrus punch. However, bottled lemon juice can also work if you’re in a pinch.
  • Honey: It adds a natural sweetness that complements the tart hibiscus perfectly. Maple syrup or agave nectar are great vegan alternatives.
  • Water: Just plain hot water to steep the tea and dilute it to the perfect strength.

How to make hibiscus lemonade

  1. Heat the Water: Start by heating your water to just below boiling (80°C/175°F). If you like your lemonade with a strong hibiscus flavor, you can make the water a little hotter.
  2. Steep the Hibiscus: Add the hibiscus tea bags or dried hibiscus flowers to the hot water, either in a pot or in a large pitcher. If using flowers, consider a reusable tea bag for easy removal.
A hand holding a small beige pouch filled with dried dark brown leaves or herbs. The person's nails are painted with black polish and decorated with pink and white designs. The background is a speckled countertop surface.
A clear glass pitcher with a yellow handle is filled with water, containing a tea infuser. It sits on a speckled countertop with kitchen utensils and a coffee maker in the background.
  1. Sweeten It Up: Stir in honey to taste while the mixture is still warm, so it dissolves seamlessly.
  2. Cool Down: Let the tea steep until it cools to room temperature. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
  3. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, giving that classic lemonade tang.
  4. Adjust and Stir: Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness of the hibiscus tea lemonade. Sometimes a little extra lemon or honey can make all the difference and get that perfect balance.
A close-up of a golden ladle pouring amber-colored liquid into a glass pitcher containing a red beverage. The background is blurred, highlighting the action of the liquid being added.
A hand stirs a deep red beverage in a glass pitcher using a wooden stick. The pitcher sits on a speckled countertop, and steam rises from the liquid, suggesting it is hot. The handle of the pitcher is yellow.
A pitcher filled with deep red liquid, possibly hibiscus tea, is being combined with a lemon juice. The textured glass surface of the pitcher catches the light as it rests on a white speckled countertop.
  1. Serve and Enjoy: Fill glasses with ice, pour over the hibiscus lemonade, and garnish with a few slices of lemon or a sprig of mint for that extra touch.
A glass of red hibiscus lemonade tea is being poured from a pitcher, with ice cubes in the glass. Lemon slices and dried hibiscus flowers are placed on a light wooden surface nearby. A white cloth is in the background.

Recipe notes and tips

  • Chill: For the best flavor, chill the lemonade in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can add more or less honey. Taste as you go—it’s the best way to get it just right!

Variations

  • Berry Hibiscus Lemonade: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
  • Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade: Mix with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy version.
  • Iced Tea Blend: Combine with green tea or black tea for a caffeinated kick.
  • Tropical Mix: Infuse with pineapple juice or coconut water for a tropical flair.
  • Herbal Touch: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for an aromatic upgrade to your homemade lemonade.
  • Spicy Note: Include a slice of ginger or a dash of cayenne for a warm, spicy undertone.
  • Adult Version: Splash in some rum or vodka for an adult beverage at your next summer party.

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerate: Pour any leftover hibiscus lemonade into a pitcher or bottle and keep it chilled in the fridge. Properly stored, your lemonade can stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.
  • Stir Before Serving: Hibiscus particles and lemon juice may settle at the bottom, so give it a good stir before pouring.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for a quick, cold treat on demand.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use sugar instead of honey in this recipe?

Absolutely! If honey isn’t your thing, feel free to use granulated sugar or even a sugar substitute. Adjust to taste.

Is hibiscus lemonade good for health?

Yes, it’s not only refreshing but also packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, which are great for your immune system.

How can I make my hibiscus lemonade taste less tart?

If it’s too tart for your liking, add more honey or a little bit of simple syrup to sweeten it up.

Can I make this lemonade with cold brew hibiscus tea?

Sure can! Steep the hibiscus in cold water overnight in the refrigerator for a gentler flavor profile and less acidity.

A glass pitcher with ribbed texture holds a deep red hibiscus lemonade, topped with a bamboo lid. It sits on a light wooden table next to lemon slices and a white cloth. The handle of the pitcher is yellow.

More tea recipes you will love

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A tall glass of pink hibiscus lemonade with ice cubes and a lemon wedge on the rim. The refreshing drink is set on a light wooden surface, surrounded by lemon slices and a white cloth in the background.

Hibiscus Lemonade Recipe

Bethany Galloway
Refreshing, vibrant, and just the right touch of tangy sweetness—this homemade hibiscus lemonade recipe is perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. With simple ingredients and health benefits to boot, this delightful twist on regular lemonade will become your new go-to beverage.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Steep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Herbal Tea
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 102 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 7 cups hot water 80°C/176°F
  • 10 g dried hibiscus flowers or 2-3 hibiscus tea bags (check the weight is around 10g total)
  • 3/4 cup honey more to taste
  • 3/4 cup lemon juice I juiced 4 lemons

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the water in a kettle or in a pot on the stove.
    7 cups hot water
  • When it’s simmering but not boiling, turn off the heat. If your using a heat-safe jug, pour the hot water into it.
  • Add your hibiscus tea bags or hibiscus flowers. If umpire using dried flowers I recommend putting them in a reusable tea bag to make it easier to remove later.
    10 g dried hibiscus flowers
  • Add the honey or sweetener of choice and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes, or until it cools to room temperature.
    3/4 cup honey
  • Remove the hibiscus tea bags, stir in the lemon juice, adjust the sweetness to taste, and enjoy!
    3/4 cup lemon juice

Notes

  • Chill: For the best flavor, chill the lemonade in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can add more or less honey. Taste as you go—it’s the best way to get it just right!

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerate: Pour any leftover hibiscus lemonade into a pitcher or bottle and keep it chilled in the fridge. Properly stored, your lemonade can stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.
  • Stir Before Serving: Hibiscus particles and lemon juice may settle at the bottom, so give it a good stir before pouring.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for a quick, cold treat on demand.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.001gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword hibiscus lemonade
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