Name: Hibiscus Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers; 1/3 cup honey or simple syrup; 2 cups vodka or white rum; 1 cup fresh lime juice; Fresh mint leaves; Orange slices; Ice cubes; Club soda (optional)

Hibiscus iced tea adds a splash of color and tart flavor to any summer drink menu.

This simple cocktail recipe mixes hibiscus tea with rum, lime juice, and a touch of honey for a refreshing spin on the classic iced tea.

The deep red color and floral notes of hibiscus tea create an eye-catching drink that stands out at parties and gatherings.

Its natural tartness pairs well with both light and dark spirits, making it a great base for cocktails.

This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead in large batches for easy entertaining.

The combination of sweet, tart, and botanical flavors makes it perfect for warm weather sipping.

Hibiscus Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing cocktail combines sweet hibiscus tea with spirits and fresh fruit for a perfect summer drink. The deep red color and tart-sweet taste make it great for parties or relaxing at home.

John

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

4 cups water
1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
1/3 cup honey or simple syrup
2 cups vodka or white rum
1 cup fresh lime juice
Fresh mint leaves
Orange slices
Ice cubes
Club soda optional

Instructions

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Remove from heat and add hibiscus flowers.
Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and discard the flowers.

Stir honey into the hot tea until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
Pour the cooled tea into a large pitcher. Add vodka and lime juice.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.

To serve: Fill tall glasses with ice.
Pour the cocktail mixture until glasses are 3/4 full.
Top with club soda if desired.

Garnish with mint leaves and orange slices.

Notes

The tea base can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the spirits with more club soda or sparkling water.

Add extra honey or simple syrup to adjust sweetness to taste.

The cocktail will keep its vibrant red color for several hours when chilled.

Tasting Notes

This bright ruby-red cocktail brings a perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors. The hibiscus tea adds floral notes with hints of cranberry and citrus.

The first sip reveals layers of flavor starting with the fruity hibiscus, followed by fresh lime and a gentle sweetness from the simple syrup.

Key Flavor Notes:

Floral hibiscus
Tart citrus
Light sweetness
Subtle berry

The drink has a smooth, refreshing texture that makes it ideal for warm days.

Ice helps dilute the strong tea flavors to a pleasant strength.

A touch of bubbles from club soda adds sparkle and lightness. The carbonation lifts the floral aromas and makes each sip more crisp.

The alcohol remains subtle in the background, letting the tea’s natural flavors shine through. This creates an easy-drinking cocktail that isn’t too strong.

The finish leaves a clean, slightly tart taste that invites another sip. Light enough for day drinking but sophisticated enough for evening gatherings.

Substitute

You can swap dried hibiscus flowers with hibiscus tea bags in this cocktail. Use 4 tea bags per cup of water for the same rich color and tart flavor.

Store-bought hibiscus tea works as a quick replacement. Choose unsweetened versions to control the sugar content in the final drink.

Common alternatives include:

Raspberry tea
Red berry tea blend
Cranberry juice (mixed with black tea)

Pomegranate juice
Red zinger tea

Note: Using juice instead of tea may make the drink sweeter.

The alcohol can be changed too. Good options are:

White rum
Gin
Prosecco
Vodka
Non-alcoholic spirit alternatives

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the liquor with:

These substitutes will change the taste slightly but still create a refreshing drink.

Hibiscus Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe