Refreshing Hibiscus Rose Iced Tea with Honey
A vibrant and floral iced tea combining tart hibiscus and fragrant rose petals, sweetened naturally with honey. This easy homemade drink is refreshing, soothing, and perfect for warm weather or cozy moments.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade dried rose petals
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (raw or local preferred)
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups (950 ml) of filtered water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
- Remove the pot from heat and add 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers and 2 tablespoons dried rose petals. Stir gently to submerge.
- Cover the pot and steep for 15 minutes until the liquid turns deep ruby red.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently on solids to extract flavor without bitterness.
- While the tea is warm (not boiling), stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons honey until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice if using.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until well chilled.
- Serve over plenty of ice cubes, garnished with a lemon slice or fresh rose petals if desired.
Notes
Do not add honey to boiling hot tea to preserve its flavor and enzymes. Steep hibiscus and rose petals for about 15 minutes to avoid bitterness. Let tea cool slowly in the fridge for best flavor melding. Variations include adding mint, lime, cinnamon, cloves, or substituting honey with agave or maple syrup for vegan options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml) per se
- Calories: 6080
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 17
Keywords: hibiscus iced tea, rose tea, honey sweetened drink, floral iced tea, refreshing summer drink, caffeine-free tea, homemade iced tea