Description
This vibrant Hibiscus Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing and beautifully colorful beverage that combines floral hibiscus tea with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and tartness of lemon juice. Perfect for warm days, this lemonade can be customized with sweeteners, sparkling water, or even a splash of vodka or rum for an adult twist. The recipe features steeping, blending, and mixing techniques to deliver a crisp, fruity drink bursting with flavor and floral aroma.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water (for steeping)
- Fresh mint leaves (for infusion, optional)
Fruit and Juice
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
Sweetener and Additions
- 1/2 cup sweetener of choice (honey, agave, or simple syrup, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (as needed for serving)
- Additional 2-3 cups water (to dilute, adjust to taste)
- Sparkling water (to replace still water for fizz, optional)
- Vodka or rum (a splash for alcoholic version, optional)
- Stevia or erythritol (for sugar-free option, optional)
- Fresh ginger slices (for a spicy kick, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Tea: Simmer 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers in 4 cups of hot water for about 10 minutes to fully infuse the water with the vibrant color and floral aroma. After steeping, strain out the hibiscus flowers and allow the tea to cool completely before using.
- Blend the Strawberries: While the hibiscus tea is cooling, wash and hull 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Blend the strawberries until smooth, optionally straining the puree to remove seeds for a clearer lemonade.
- Combine Lemon Juice and Sweetener: In a large pitcher, mix 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/2 cup of your chosen sweetener (such as honey, agave, or simple syrup). Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
- Mix All Ingredients Together: Add the cooled hibiscus tea and strawberry puree to the lemon and sweetener mixture in the pitcher. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sweetener or additional water to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes and pour the prepared Hibiscus Strawberry Lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices, whole strawberries, or fresh mint leaves as desired. Serve immediately for the most refreshing experience.
Notes
- You can replace still water with sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- For an alcoholic version, add a splash of vodka or rum before serving.
- Adjust sweetness according to taste; use stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free option.
- Adding fresh ginger slices during steeping gives a spicy kick to the tea.
- Straining strawberry puree creates a smoother lemonade without seeds.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for a colder, more refreshing drink.
