Refreshing Hibiscus Lemonade

If you’re looking for a vibrant, fun, and low-sugar drink to brighten up your summer gatherings, this Hibiscus Lemonade recipe is the perfect choice! Combining the fruity goodness of hibiscus iced tea with freshly squeezed lemonade, this delightful mocktail is like a twist on the classic Arnold Palmer. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a refreshing drink, this Hibiscus Lemonade will be a hit with all your guests.

Two short glasses of a hot pink drink with ice and lemon slices

Reasons to love this hibiscus lemonade

This vibrant pink Hibiscus Lemonade is a feast for both your eyes and taste buds. It’s easy to prepare too, making it a perfect drink option for summer and celebrations. Plus, it’s low-sugar, non-alcoholic, and a fun way to stay hydrated on hot days.


A delightful twist on the classic Arnold Palmer, this Hibiscus Lemonade merges the tanginess of freshly squeezed lemonade with the floral notes of hibiscus iced tea. It’s a refreshing burst of flavors that will keep you reaching for another sip. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, this enticing mocktail is sure to become your summer favorite.

Hand holding a hot pink drink with ice and lemon slices

Nutrition fun facts

Does hibiscus tea have health benefits?

Hibiscus tea (made from the dried petals of hibiscus flowers) is delicious and may also be nutritious. Although research is a bit sparse, there is some evidence to suggest a link between drinking hibiscus tea and lower blood pressure, reduced oxidative stress, and improved blood lipid levels.

a hot pink bubbly drink with ice and lemon slices

What does hibiscus tea taste like?

Hibiscus tea has a delightful, tangy flavor profile with a subtle floral undertone. Its taste is refreshing and slightly tart, reminiscent of cranberries, balanced by a hint of natural sweetness. The vibrant pink infusion of hibiscus petals creates an inviting visual appeal too.

Ingredients for hibiscus lemonade

Lemonade

  • granulated sugar
  • water
  • freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)

Hibiscus Iced Tea

  • loose-leaf hibiscus tea (you can also use tea bags)
  • water

For the Hibiscus Drink Recipe

  • lemonade
  • hibiscus iced tea
  • sparkling water (hibiscus flavor if you can find it)

Tips for success

  • Customizing the sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar in the lemonade to your taste preferences. The recipe suggests a slightly lower-sugar lemonade with ¾ cup of sugar, but you can use less if desired.
  • Using teabags instead of loose-leaf tea: Add 8 teabags to a heatproof ½ gallon jug, fill halfway with boiling water, steep for 5 mins (or longer for a stronger tea), remove the teabags, and fill with ice water.
hot pink drink with ice and lemon slices

FAQs

Can I make a large batch of hibiscus lemonade for parties?

Absolutely! You can combine the lemonade and hibiscus iced tea in advance if you have a large enough container. Use a 2:1 ratio of iced tea to lemonade, respectively, and add sparkling water to each serving for a fizzy finish.

Can I use a different type of tea for the hibiscus iced tea?

Feel free to experiment with different teas, such as black tea, green tea, mango tea, or mint tea, to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Can I turn this into a cocktail?

For a delightful cocktail version, add 1.5 oz of gin or vodka to the hibiscus drink, using 1.5 oz lemonade and 3 oz hibiscus iced tea as the base.

Can I adjust the sweetness level of the drink?

Yep! Switch up the proportions of lemonade and hibiscus iced tea to suit your preferred level of sweetness.

Can I make the lemonade and iced tea in the same container?

Yes, but you’ll need to change up your preparation method slightly. First, make the tea, steeping it and removing the leaves or teabag when it reaches your desired strength. Then, make the lemonade and add it to the container with the tea, adding ice as needed to chill it.

hot pink drink with ice and lemon slices

Recipe Modifications:

  • Make a large batch – Combine the lemonade and iced tea in advance for a party-friendly option.
  • Use a different type of tea – Experiment with various teas to create your unique hibiscus-infused drinks. Any fruit tea, black tea, green tea, mango tea, or mint tea would work here.
  • Add fruit – Enhance the drink’s flavor with muddled strawberries, raspberries, or watermelon.
  • Make it a cocktail – Turn the hibiscus lemonade into a delightful adult beverage with the addition of gin or vodka.
Two short glasses of a hot pink drink with ice and lemon slices
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Refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea

This vibrant and refreshing hibiscus lemonade is a delightful twist on the classic Arnold Palmer. Perfect for summer celebrations. Sip and savor!
Prep Time10 minutes
Steeping time8 hours
Course: Drinks, mocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hibiscus, lemonade, summer drink, tropical smoothie
Servings: 8
Author: Chelsea Jackle, RDN

Equipment

  • 1 measuring cup (2-4 cup capacity)
  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 citrus juicer
  • 1 medium carafe (1 liter capacity)
  • 1 large carafe or jug (½ gallon capacity)

Ingredients

Lemonade

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water divided
  • 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed from about 6 lemons

Hibiscus tea

  • 4 tbsp hibiscus tea loose-leaf, see notes for teabags
  • 8 cups water

For each serving

  • 2 fl oz lemonade
  • 4 fl oz hibiscus tea
  • 1 fl oz sparkling water hibiscus or lemon flavored

Instructions

Make the lemonade

  • In a small saucepan, make simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer, turn off the heat, stir to dissolve, and set aside to cool.
  • Juice the lemons into a large measuring cup (2-4 cup volume) until you have 1 cup of lemon juice. Add the simple syrup to the measuring cup.
  • Pour into a 1-liter bottle or carafe. Add cold water to fill (3-4 cups). Refrigerate.

Make the hibiscus tea

  • Add 4 tablespoons loose-leaf hibiscus tea to a ½ gallon jug. Add cool water to fill, steep overnight, and strain before serving.

Make the hibiscus drink

  • To a glass with ice, add 2 oz lemonade (more or less, depending on the level of sweetness you prefer), add 4 oz hibiscus tea, then top with sparkling water.
  • Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Please note that nutrition facts are an estimate and can vary widely based on amounts and specific types used.
  • Using teabags instead of loose-leaf tea: Add 8 teabags to a heatproof ½ gallon jug, fill halfway with boiling water, steep for 5 mins (or longer for a stronger tea), remove the teabags, and fill with ice water.

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