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This dazzling strawberry-lemonade cooler with hibiscus tea has been my go-to refreshment during scorching summer days. The stunning deep red hue and well-balanced mix of sweet and tangy notes make a drink that's fancy enough for company but simple enough to whip up whenever you're thirsty.
I stumbled upon this cooler during an awful hot spell last year when water seemed boring but I wanted something healthier than store drinks. Now my kids beg for it at every outdoor party, and everyone always wants to know how to make it.
What You'll Need
- Dried hibiscus flowers or tea bags: Give this drink its amazing deep red color and that distinctive tangy flavor that makes it stand out
- Ripe strawberries: Bring natural sweetness and work amazingly with the flowery hibiscus taste
- Squeezed lemon juice: Adds that zingy kick and classic lemonade taste everybody craves
- Maple syrup: Delivers a richer sweetness than plain sugar and mixes smoothly with the other ingredients
- Mint leaves if you want: Give a cool, fresh smell that makes the whole drink taste even better
How To Make It
- Get Your Tea Ready:
- Heat up 2 cups of water until it bubbles. Take it off the heat right away so it won't taste bitter. Drop in your hibiscus tea bags or dried flowers and let them sit for exactly 5-7 minutes. You'll see it turn into a beautiful deep red. Want stronger flavor? Go for the full 7 minutes. After that, take out the tea bags or pour it through a strainer to catch the flowers, then let it cool down all the way to room temp.
- Fix Up Your Strawberries:
- While your tea cools down, wash your strawberries and cut off the green tops. Chop them into smaller bits so they'll blend better. Throw the strawberries in your blender with ¼ cup of your cooled tea. Turn it on and let it run until everything's smooth, about 30-45 seconds. For extra smoothness, pour it through a fine strainer, pushing gently with a spoon to get all the liquid out.
- Mix Everything Together:
- In a big pitcher, pour in your cooled tea, strawberry mixture, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir it all really well with a long spoon, making sure to reach the bottom so everything mixes properly. Take a quick taste and add more maple syrup if you want it sweeter, or an extra squeeze of lemon if you like it more tangy. Pour over ice cubes in tall glasses and top with strawberry slices, lemon pieces, and mint for a pretty look that adds flavor too.
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Hibiscus really makes this drink special. I first tried it in Mexican agua de jamaica and loved its cranberry-like tang. Mixed with strawberries, it creates a richness that other fruit drinks just don't have. My little girl now spots the deep red color in our fridge and gets all excited because she knows it's our special summer treat.
Prep It Early
This drink actually tastes better after sitting a while. You can mix it up to 24 hours before and keep it in the fridge in a container with a tight lid. The flavors blend together nicely overnight, making it taste even better. If you make it ahead, just wait to add your garnishes until you're ready to serve so they stay fresh and pretty.
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Mix It Up
Though this drink tastes great just as it is, you can play around with it too. Try using raspberries instead of strawberries for a stronger berry kick. For something fancy, add some fizzy water right before serving to make it bubbly. At holiday parties, I've turned it into a grown-up drink by adding a shot of vodka or white rum to each glass, which goes really well with the fruity flavors.
Good For You
Hibiscus tea tastes great and it's good for you too. People who drink it regularly might notice better blood pressure thanks to its natural ingredients. The antioxidants in both hibiscus and strawberries help your body fight harmful stuff. This drink gives you a tasty way to stay hydrated that's way more fun than water but doesn't have all the sugar that store-bought drinks do.
What To Eat With It
This bright red drink goes perfectly with light summer foods. Try it with fish tacos off the grill, Mediterranean salads, or at breakfast with avocado toast. For fancy parties, freeze some strawberry pieces and lemon slices in ice cubes to use in the drinks. This stops the ice from watering down your drink and looks really impressive to your guests.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of tea bags?
For sure. Fresh or dried hibiscus flowers work great to replace tea bags. Just let them steep in hot water to make your base.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You bet! The hibiscus tea can be made and kept in the fridge for up to 2-3 days before you need it.
- → What can I use as a sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Try honey, agave, or simple sugar syrup if you want something different to sweeten your drink.
- → Can I add other fruits to this drink?
Go wild! Throw in raspberries, blueberries, or chunks of watermelon to create your own flavor twist.
- → Is this drink served hot or cold?
This one's meant to be icy cold with plenty of ice, perfect for cooling down on sunny days.