Name: Hibiscus Tea with Ginger, Turmeric, and Citrus
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup Dried hibiscus flowers or 1 cup fresh (just the petals); 4 cups Water; 2 inches Ginger, sliced; 2 inches Turmeric, sliced; 1 Cinnamon stick; ½ Orange (sliced); 5 Basil leaves; 1 Mint stem and leaves; 2 tbsp Agave (plus more to taste)

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Hibiscus tea with ginger, turmeric, and citrus is a healthy refreshing herbal-infused beverage that can be enjoyed hot or iced. Have this drink year-round as either a comforting hot tea during the chilly months or a sweet cold brew in the spring and summer.

For more nourishing tea recipes, try our Elderberry Tea Bombs, Honey Citrus Mint Tea, Lychee Iced Tea, and Cold Fighting Apple Ginger Tea next!

a mug of tea with the pitcher in the background

Hibiscus is one of my favorite teas. From the ruby red color to the distinct tart flavor, it’s a delicious drink that I thoroughly enjoy. The flavor is similar to cranberries and raspberries, but the infusion of fresh fruit and spices elevates this drink to make it the best hibiscus tea.

While traveling to Peru, Jamaica, Mexico, and South Africa I noticed each place has its own variation of Agua de Jamaica, Sorrel, Bissap, Roselle, aka Hibiscus Tea. That is the beauty of this delicious flower. It can be prepared in so many different ways and all variations taste amazing!

What is Hibiscus Tea?

Hibiscus derives from the tropical hibiscus sabdariffa flower (also known as roselle). This ancient herb has been consumed all over the world. This flower is found in places with warm climates like South America, Central America, The Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and India.

Make hibiscus tea by infusing dried or fresh hibiscus flowers with boiled water. After this process, the tea is chilled to create iced hibiscus tea (also known as Agua de Jamaica in Mexico).

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

There are so many health benefits associated with hibiscus tea. It’s amazing how beneficial one plant can be for the human body! Hibiscus tea:

Produces a calming effect on the body
Promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of obesity
Reduces inflammation
Can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Improves liver health by reducing liver damage and fatty liver
Has more Vitamin C than any other herbal tea, which can fend off the common cold and flu
Promotes collagen production and moisturizes skin when used topically

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dried hibiscus flowers: You can use 1 cup of fresh hibiscus instead (just the petals).
Water: This is the liquid base of your tea.
Fresh Ginger and Turmeric: Sliced, no need to peel.
Cinnamon stick: Adds a subtle, sweet, spicy, woody flavor.
Orange: Sliced.
Basil leaves: For a punch of fresh minty flavor.
Mint: I use the stem because that holds a stronger flavor than the mint leaves.
Agave: This is a refined sugar-free beverage. This natural sweetener balances out the tart flavor of the hibiscus. Add more or less, depending on how sweet or tart you like your tea.

How to Make Hibiscus Tea

Add water and hibiscus leaves to a large pot, cover the lid, bring to a boil then remove from the heat.
Add remaining ingredients (except sweetener). Let sit covered for 15-20 minutes.
Strain and add sweetener. Pour into a glass or mug. Garnish with fresh orange slices and mint. Enjoy!

a mug of hot herbal tea — Hot Hibiscus Tea

HOT VS COLD BREW HIBISCUS TEA

Hot Hibiscus Tea

For hot tea, steep the hibiscus in covered boiled water, for 15- 20 minutes then strain.

Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea

For the cold method, place the hibiscus flower and all the ingredients (except the sweetener) in the water. Cover and place in the fridge for up to 4 hours. You can also make the hibiscus tea using the hot method and all the tea to cool completely and serve it with ice before enjoying.

a glass of iced hibiscus tea — Iced Hibiscus Tea

Storage

Store leftover hibiscus tea in a pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat the tea, microwave it in 30-second increments.

Tips To Nail the Recipe

Be sure to use food-grade hibiscus. Hibiscus from flower shops tends to be covered in chemicals so avoid those.
Hibiscus stains everything it comes in contact with so be careful when handling it.
Steeping the hibiscus in the water for too long results in bitter tea. In order to avoid this, don’t steep it for more than 20 minutes. Between 3 and 20 minutes is ideal, depending on how strong you like your tea.
This is a great drink to make ahead. You can enjoy it straight from the fridge or reheat it.

Variations

Add other citrus flavors to your tea by including lemon wedges, lime juice, or even orange zest.
Boost the flavor and sweetness naturally with more fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
You can use other spices like star anise or cardamom.
For a deep lemony/ginger flavor, try lemongrass.

a glass of iced tea in front of a pitcher filled with more

FAQs

What’s the best time to drink hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus tea is perfect for when you want to unwind. Enjoy it at the end of a long day or before bed for optimal effects.

Where can I find dried hibiscus flowers?

You can find them in your local Hispanic market. They may be referred to as “flor de Jamaica.” You can also order them online or find them in health food stores. Hibiscus tea bags work as well and may be readily available at your local grocery store.

Does hibiscus tea have side effects?

The benefits of hibiscus tea far outweigh the side effects. However, it may affect estrogen levels so pregnant people or those trying to conceive should probably avoid this drink. People with diabetes should also monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure levels when drinking this. If overconsumed, it can also affect your liver.

How much hibiscus tea can I consume daily?

As with most things, this should be consumed in moderation. Try drinking no more than 2 cups per day to get the health benefits without the side effects.

overhead view of hibiscus tea with garnish

I Hope You Enjoy This Hibiscus Ginger Tea with Citrus and Turmeric!

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