Beat the heat with this refreshing cherry hibiscus iced tea mocktail. This bright and tangy drink combines sweet cherries with tart hibiscus tea for a perfect summer drink.
The simple recipe mixes hibiscus tea, fresh cherry juice, honey, and sparkling water to create a gorgeous ruby-red mocktail that tastes amazing. No alcohol needed for this elegant drink that looks beautiful in any glass.
A cold glass of this iced tea brings together the health benefits of antioxidant-rich hibiscus and cherries. The natural sweetness makes it a great choice for parties, picnics, or casual sipping on warm afternoons.
Cherry Hibiscus Iced Tea Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher (64 oz)
- Tea infuser or strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or long-handled spoon
- Ice cube trays
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 8 cups water divided
- 4 hibiscus tea bags
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries pitted
- 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1-2 cups sparkling water
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add hibiscus tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Then, remove tea bags and let the tea cool.
- Place cherries in a blender with 1 cup water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the cherry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the pitcher.
- Add the cooled hibiscus tea, remaining water, honey, and lemon juice to the pitcher.
- Stir the mixture well until the honey dissolves completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until cold.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour the tea mixture.
- Top each glass with optional sparkling water and garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This refreshing mocktail brings a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The cherry notes hit first, followed by the deep floral taste of hibiscus.
The natural sweetness of cherries balances the gentle tartness of hibiscus flowers. Neither flavor overpowers the other, creating a smooth and balanced drink.
A light floral aroma rises from the glass, while the deep ruby-red color catches the eye. The drink has a silky texture that coats the tongue.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet cherry
- Floral hibiscus
- Light tartness
- Subtle tea undertones
The finish is clean and crisp, with a gentle sweetness that lingers. The tea base adds depth without bitterness.
Cool and refreshing, this mocktail works well on hot days. The flavors remain bright and distinct even as the ice melts.
Substitute
Several ingredients can replace items in this cherry hibiscus tea recipe. Each switch keeps the drink tasty while meeting different needs.
Instead of dried hibiscus flowers, use 2-3 hibiscus tea bags. You can find these at regular grocery stores.
For fresh cherries, swap in 1 cup of frozen cherries or 1/2 cup of cherry juice. Both options work well when fresh fruit isn’t in season.
Alternative Sweeteners:
- Maple syrup
- Stevia
- Agave nectar
- Date syrup
Skip the lime and use lemon juice in equal amounts. The citrus adds a similar bright flavor to the drink.
Replace plain water with coconut water for extra nutrients. This adds a light, sweet taste that works well with the other flavors.
The recipe works great with other berries too. Try these swaps:
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Mixed berry blend
For a caffeine boost, mix in 1/4 cup of black tea while brewing the hibiscus. This creates an energizing version of the drink.