A jewel-bright, refreshing drink to see you through the warmest days. This hibiscus and elderflower iced tea steeps dried hibiscus flowers into a deep, tart infusion, sweetened with floral elderflower cordial and balanced by a pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes. Naturally caffeine-free and easily batched for a crowd, it’s the perfect partner for picnics and garden gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Hibiscus Iced Tea
- Naturally Caffeine-Free: A vibrant, grown-up soft drink everyone can enjoy, any time of day.
- Sweet, Tart & Balanced: A pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes rounds out the tart hibiscus and floral elderflower beautifully.
- Easy to Batch: Steep, strain and chill ahead, then pour over ice – ideal for sharing on hot days.
How to Make Hibiscus Iced Tea (Step-by-Step)
- Steep the hibiscus: Place the dried hibiscus flowers into a heatproof jug and pour over the boiling water. Leave to steep for 15–20 minutes, until the water turns a vibrant, deep colour – the longer it steeps, the deeper and more tart the flavour.
- Strain and sweeten: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean jug. Stir in elderflower cordial to taste, plus a pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes to add a sweet-and-salty layer, until dissolved.
- Serve over ice: Fill two glasses with ice and pour over the hibiscus tea. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs and serve immediately. Alternatively, store the jug in the fridge ready to pour over ice later.
Tips for the Perfect Hibiscus Iced Tea
- Steep to taste: Longer steeping deepens both the colour and the tartness, so taste as you go and strain when it’s where you want it.
- Sweeten gradually: Add the elderflower cordial little by little – you can always add more, but you can’t take it back.
- A pinch goes a long way: Just a pinch of Maldon Original Sea Salt flakes balances the sweet-tart flavours, much like a pinch of salt in a sorbet – don’t overdo it.
What to Serve with Hibiscus Iced Tea
This iced tea is a refreshing match for the whole summer picnic spread. Serve it with crispy pork lettuce cups, chilli, lime and feta watermelon wedges, or mini strawberry, lemon and elderflower trifles, which echo the same elderflower notes. For presentation, float a few extra hibiscus flowers or summer berries in the jug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes – steep, strain and sweeten ahead of time and keep chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the ice and garnishes only when serving so they stay fresh.
Where can I buy dried hibiscus flowers?
Look in the tea or world-foods aisle of larger supermarkets, in health-food shops, or online. They’re sometimes labelled as ‘flor de Jamaica’.
How can I sweeten it differently?
Swap the elderflower cordial for honey or a simple sugar syrup, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zing if you like.
