This refreshing, sweet, sparkling raspberry hibiscus iced tea will be your new Summer go-to! It’s perfect for parties, and will please kids and adults alike.
I am NOT a tea drinker. I usually equate the flavor of most teas with what I image dirty gym socks soaking in dishwater would taste like. But this Sparking Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea has changed mind mind! It’s unbelievably satisfying on a warm day, and the sparkling water adds depth of flavor and abounding sweetness. Now if you are a true tea lover, you can absolutely sub in an unsweetened sparking water in place of the tonic water to allow the flavors to punch through uninhibited. For those who like to ease their way into anything tea related thought, this one’s for you.
What you’ll need to make this sparkling raspberry hibiscus iced tea:
4 raspberry hibiscus tea bags (I used this Good and Gather brand from Target and loved it)
2 cups hot water
2 cups sparkling tonic water
1 cup fresh raspberries
Crushed or cubed ice
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Hibiscus Tea Benefits
Drinking hibiscus tea is not only delicious, there are several potential health benefits to it as well. It has been said that regularly incorporating hibiscus tea and your diet can help manage blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and boost your immune system. It can give you antioxidant benefits, and aid in weight loss and digestion as well. Some sources have claimed that it can even reduce anxiety. I don’t know about you, but these all sound like wonderful benefits of enjoying a glass of sparking iced tea.
Putting it all Together
You’ll want to begin by steeping your teabags in very hot water. Be very cautious as the water can become bubbly and spill over, and you definitely want to avoid any hot water burns. I used a 4-cup glass measuring cup so I could fit everything in one glass for preparation.
Steep the teabags for at least five minutes, and up to ten. Drain teabags, and immediately refrigerate to chill tea. You can also put the tea in the freezer to speed cooling time, just keep an eye on it as it will chill faster. Thirty minutes in the freezer is enough time to chill, or about 45-60 minutes in the refrigerator. Once chilled, pull the tea out and add the tonic water. You can definitely sub in an unsweetened sparkling water, such as this raspberry lime one by Spindrift. It would definitely allow the tea flavors to shine through without the added sweetness.
Give it a stir, and set aside. Fill four glasses with iced cubes topped with ¼ cup fresh raspberries per glass. Divide tea evenly between four glasses. Top with fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator without ice to maintain strong tea flavor.
I hope you enjoy this sparkling raspberry hibiscus iced tea! It was a first for me, and I’m so glad I gave tea creating a go. Many more summer drinks are on the docket, so stay tuned! In the meantime, if you love fruity desserts, try this Sugar Cookie Dessert Pizza with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
Happy Monday!
XO,
Heather
Sparkling Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 Raspberry Hibiscus teabags
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 cups tonic water
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Crushed or cubed ice
- Fresh thyme for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Steep four teabags in hot water for 5 minutes. Be cautious as hot water can splatter and cause burns.
- Remove teabags, and refrigerate tea until cold, about 45-60 minutes.
- Remove chilled tea and add 2 cups cold sparkling tonic water, giving the tea a stir. To prepare glasses, place several ice cubes into each glass, and about ¼ cup fresh raspberries on top of ice. Pour sparkling tea over raspberries and top with sprigs of fresh thyme.
- Serve immediately. Makes four glasses of iced tea. Store any leftovers in a covered glass without ice for up to three days. Enjoy!
Leave a Comment