Description
A vibrant, tangy, and aromatic herbal tea made with dried hibiscus petals, citrus, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of sugar. This spiced Caribbean-inspired beverage is naturally caffeine-free, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a refreshing daily drink easy to make, deeply flavorful, and full of warming spices.
Ingredients
– 6 cups water
– 1 mandarin orange, scrubbed and halved
– 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus petals
– 1 teaspoon whole allspice
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– ⅓ cup sugar
– ¼ cup fresh lime juice
– Optional garnishes: lime slices, orange peel
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the halved mandarin orange, dried hibiscus petals, allspice, sliced ginger, and cinnamon sticks.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a heat-safe pitcher, discarding the solids.
- Stir in sugar until fully dissolved, then add lime juice.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve chilled over ice, garnished with lime slices or orange peel if desired.
Notes
– Adjust sweetness with more or less sugar, or substitute with honey, agave, maple syrup, or stevia.
– For extra flavor, add cloves, star anise, or fresh mint.
– Straining is recommended for a smooth texture but optional.
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
– To reheat: warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—do not boil to preserve flavor.
– Fresh hibiscus can be used (use about 4–6 tablespoons), but dried is more concentrated and traditional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Herbal Tea, Mocktail
- Method: Simmer & Steep
- Cuisine: Caribbean / West Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g (primarily from added sugar; reduce or substitute to lower)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg