Hibiscus Tea is a common drink in many Latin American countries, where it’s called Agua de Jamaica. It’s naturally full of bright, fruity flavor and beautiful crimson red color. Plus, it has health benefits and no caffeine. Here is an easy, plant-based recipes for cold-brewed hibiscus tea.
Cold-Brewed Tea: A Healthy, Plant-Based Drink
Staying hydrated is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, it can be easy to reach for sugary juices, sodas, and caffeinated coffee drinks. Brewing flavored tea is an easy, plant-based alternative! With flavors like hibiscus, peach, apple cinnamon, and vanilla, there are plenty of possibilities for delicious flavors.
What is Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew?
Cold brew tea (and coffee) is made by slowly steeping tea leaves (or coffee grounds) overnight in cold water. The process happens slowly, allowing the flavors to gently infuse the water. Hot brewing is made more quickly. Hot water is infused with tea leaves (or coffee grounds) for a few minutes, steeping out the flavors.
There are a few main differences in the process and flavors of Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew:
- Cold Brew has less acidity: The cold-brewing leaves some of the harsher, more bitter flavors of the tea and coffee behind, giving you a sweeter flavor.
- Cold Brew has more subtle flavor: Without the harsh heat from a hot brew, cold brew tea is infused with more subtle flavor notes.
- Many Uses: You can really only enjoy hot tea one way. However, you can use cold brew tea a variety of ways. Add it to smoothies and vegan milkshakes. Combine it with club soda for a spritzer. Or, use it as a mixer for flavored cocktails.
Responsibly Sourced Tea
The hibiscus tea leaves from this recipe actually come from a spice company called Maya Mountain. Maya Mountain procures the finest spices, oils, cocoa, and other flavors from Belize farmers. They are committed to paying their farmers above fair trade wages. Plus, 10% of all profits go back to organizations working within the Belize community.
How to Steep Tea
The easiest way to steep tea is to use a metal infuser. You can find small, single-cup mesh infusers at most groceries and kitchen stores. However, I prefer a larger infuser, which works well for making big batches like this cold-brew tea recipe for 1 quart.
Other Herb Variations of Hibiscus Tea
You can use this recipe as a template for baking other fruit. Fresh thyme, lavender, Thai basil, purple basil, and mint would all be delightful!
Purple Basil Organic Herbs at Chicago’s Green City Farmer’s Market 
Red Garnet Amaranth has a beautiful red color. It is a microgreen that can be used in salads, teas, or garnish soups and tacos 
Fresh basil adds natural, sweet flavor to your healthy plant-based recipes
Watch this Video to Learn More about Hibiscus for Tea:
You’ll Love this Healthy, Plant-Based Baked Hibiscus Tea Recipe! It is:
- A Beautiful, Crimson Red Color
- Easy to Make
- Subtly Sweet
- A Light, Refreshing Drink
- Perfect for Weekend Meal Prep
Chef Katie’s Healthy, Plant-Based Cooking Tips for Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica):
Don’t Steep past 24 hours: After 24 hours, the hibiscus tea will start to get bitter. You want to strain the tea leaves (and an other fresh herbs or spices) before then.
Frosted Glass Tip: To keep your drink colder for a longer time, freeze your serving glasses. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours and enjoy the chilly, frosted glass.
Spice Variations: For a bit of spicy flavor, add 4 allspice berries, 2 cloves, 4 cardamom pods, or a star anise during the brewing.
No Refined Sugar or Syrup? I’m on a mission to get rid of empty calories. This recipe don’t use any refined sugar, maple syrup, or other refined sweetener. The pears and dates provide plenty of sweetness, along with healthy fiber and essential nutrients.
Sweetening Options: However, if you do crave a bit of sweetness, you can stir in a teaspoon of date paste, maple syrup, Stevia, or monkfruit sweetener.
Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica) with Herb Variations
- Easy
- Ready In: Overnight
- Yield: 1 quart
If you love this recipe, you should also check out: Baked Pears with Date Paste Cardamom and Orange, Simple Berry Pear Cardamom Compote, St. Patrick’s Minty Sham-Mock Spirulina Shake, and Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Coffee Smoothie.
Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica) with Herb Variations
Ingredients
- ½ cup hibiscus tea leave Jamaica leaves
- 4 sprigs lemon thyme optional
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- To make the Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica): Place ½ cup of dried hibiscus in a large pitcher. Add additional fresh herbs or spices, if you prefer. Pour in 4 cups of filtered water.
- Cover the pitcher and place in the refrigerator. Let steep overnight, up to 24 hours. The tea is ready when it has turned a beautiful deep crimson red. Strain the tea and enjoy over ice.
- Don’t Steep past 24 hours: After 24 hours, the hibiscus tea will start to get bitter. You want to strain the tea leaves (and an other fresh herbs or spices) before then.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings 4.0 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| calories 11 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 0 g | 0 % |
| Saturated Fat 0 g | 0 % |
| Monounsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium 1 mg | 0 % |
| Potassium 3 mg | 0 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 2 g | 1 % |
| Dietary Fiber 0 g | 0 % |
| Sugars 2 g | |
| Protein 0 g | 0 % |
| Vitamin A | 3 % |
| Vitamin C | 11 % |
| Calcium | 0 % |
| Iron | 14 % |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Shopping and Gear List
- Yoassi Extra Fine 18/8 Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Mesh Strainer
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