This Hibiscus Elderflower Sparkling Tea is a refreshing and health-boosting herbal beverage. With floral notes from hibiscus and elderflower, a touch of honey for natural sweetness, and a sparkling finish, this tea is perfect for a revitalizing drink. Whether you’re looking for a cooling summer refreshment or a unique herbal tea experience, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Antioxidants – Hibiscus and elderflower are packed with antioxidants that support overall health.
- Naturally Refreshing – The combination of floral, citrus, and sparkling water creates a light and refreshing drink.
- Caffeine-Free – Unlike traditional teas, this herbal blend is free of caffeine, making it great for any time of the day.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare this tea in minutes.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, add fresh herbs, or experiment with different garnishes to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup fresh hibiscus flower petals
- 1 cup fresh elderflower (or 1/4 cup dried elderflower)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Sparkling water, to top off
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices or fresh mint, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Infusion – In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and add the hibiscus petals and elderflowers. Cover and let steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain and Sweeten – Strain the tea into a pitcher, removing the flowers. Stir in the honey while the tea is still warm, ensuring it dissolves completely.
- Cool the Tea – Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until chilled.
- Assemble the Drink – Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled hibiscus elderflower tea halfway, and top off with sparkling water.
- Garnish and Serve – Add lemon slices or fresh mint for a decorative and flavorful touch. Stir gently and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Steeping Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Stronger Floral Notes – Increase the amount of elderflower or hibiscus for a more pronounced floral flavor.
- Alternative Sweeteners – Substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Citrus Twist – Add orange or lime slices for a different citrus profile.
- Herbal Infusion – Include fresh basil, thyme, or lavender for added herbal complexity.
- Iced Tea Version – Skip the sparkling water for a traditional iced tea experience.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover hibiscus elderflower tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – If you prefer a warm version, gently heat the tea on the stove without boiling.
- Sparkling Water Addition – Only add sparkling water just before serving to maintain its fizziness.
FAQs
How does hibiscus benefit health?
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and is known to support heart health, lower blood pressure, and promote overall wellness.
What does elderflower taste like?
Elderflower has a light, floral, and slightly honey-like flavor with a subtle fruity note.
Can I use dried hibiscus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh hibiscus with 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus petals.
Is this tea safe for children?
Yes, this tea is caffeine-free and made from natural ingredients, making it a great choice for kids.
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tea in advance and store it in the fridge. Add sparkling water just before serving.
Can I serve this as a warm tea?
Absolutely! Skip the chilling step and enjoy it warm with a slice of lemon.
What are some good pairings for this tea?
This tea pairs well with light salads, fruit platters, or herbal scones.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, you can skip the honey or use a sugar-free sweetener.
What if I don’t have fresh elderflowers?
You can use 1/4 cup of dried elderflowers instead of fresh ones.
Can I carbonate the tea itself?
If you have a soda maker, you can carbonate the chilled tea before serving instead of adding sparkling water.
Conclusion
This Hibiscus Elderflower Sparkling Tea is a delightful, refreshing drink that combines floral and citrus flavors with a hint of natural sweetness. Easy to make and packed with health benefits, it’s the perfect beverage for any occasion. Whether served chilled with ice or as a warm herbal infusion, this tea is sure to become a favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a refreshing, health-boosting drink!
Print
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hibiscus Elderflower Sparkling Tea is a refreshing, healthy, and floral-infused beverage perfect for any occasion! Made with hibiscus petals, elderflower, lemon, and a touch of honey, this lightly sweetened herbal tea is topped with sparkling water for a delightfully fizzy twist. Enjoy it as a cooling summer drink or a wellness-boosting herbal infusion!
Ingredients
Produce:
- 1 cup fresh hibiscus flower petals (or 1/2 cup dried hibiscus)
- 1 cup fresh elderflower (or 1/4 cup dried elderflower)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Lemon slices or fresh mint (for garnish)
Liquids & Sweetener:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste)
- Sparkling water, to top off
Other:
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
1. Brew the Tea:
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add hibiscus petals and elderflower, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and honey. Let steep for another 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove flower petals and let cool to room temperature.
2. Assemble the Drink:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in the cooled hibiscus elderflower tea.
- Top off with sparkling water for a fizzy finish.
3. Garnish & Serve:
- Add lemon slices or fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
- Stir, sip, and enjoy your homemade sparkling herbal tea!
Notes
- Sugar-Free Option: Substitute honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Extra Flavor: Add a cinnamon stick or ginger slices while brewing for depth.
- Cold Brew Method: Steep hibiscus and elderflower in cold water overnight in the fridge for a smoother taste.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days before adding sparkling water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Beverage, Herbal Tea
- Method: Steeping, Chilling
- Cuisine: Herbal, Healthy
