Hibiscus Strawberry Lemonade
This refreshing Hibiscus Strawberry Lemonade combines the tart brightness of fresh lemon juice, the floral tang of dried hibiscus petals, and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. Perfectly vibrant and naturally sweetened, it’s a revitalizing summer drink that’s easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Steeping, Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan (if using plant-based sweetener)
Tea Base
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus petals
- 4 cups hot water
Fruit and Flavor
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Sweetener and Dilution
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup sweetener (honey, sugar, or agave), adjust to taste
- 3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
Serving
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: fresh strawberries, lemon slices, fresh mint or basil sprigs
- Step 1: Brew the Hibiscus Tea. Steep dried hibiscus petals in 4 cups of hot water for 8-12 minutes until the water turns a rich red color and smells fragrant. Strain out the petals to obtain the flavorful hibiscus tea base.
- Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries. While the hibiscus tea cools, wash, hull, and puree fresh strawberries in a blender or mash with a fork to release their juice and sweetness.
- Step 3: Mix Lemon and Sweetener. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and your preferred sweetener to the warm hibiscus tea. Stir until the sweetener dissolves completely. Adjust sweetness and tartness to your liking.
- Step 4: Combine All Ingredients. In a large pitcher, mix the hibiscus tea mixture and strawberry puree. Add cold water to dilute the lemonade to your preferred strength and stir thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Step 5: Chill and Serve. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or a sprig of mint for an added touch.
Notes
- Sweetener choice affects flavor: honey adds floral notes, sugar keeps it neutral.
- Do not oversteep hibiscus tea (8-12 minutes max) to avoid bitterness.
- Use fully ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness.
- Chill lemonade for at least one hour before serving for optimal flavor melding.
- Strain strawberry puree if you prefer a smooth, seed-free drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hibiscus strawberry lemonade, refreshing summer drink, natural lemonade, hibiscus tea, fruit lemonade, vegan lemonade, healthy drink