There’s something timeless and soul-soothing about a glass of beautifully brewed herbal tea transformed into a chilled summer drink. This Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher is one of my favorite creations—bright, tart, floral, and naturally sweet. It’s what I like to call “sunshine in a glass.”
Inspired by my grandmother’s floral garden and her obsession with iced teas, this drink takes the classic lemonade to the next level.
With a little twist of hibiscus and strawberries, it’s refreshing, antioxidant-rich, and perfect for cooling down during a sun-soaked afternoon.
A Grandmother’s Inspiration
When I was little, my grandmother had a sprawling garden filled with blooming hibiscus plants. I remember her plucking those vibrant red petals and drying them on woven trays, later steeping them into crimson teas we’d enjoy with a splash of lemon and honey.
This recipe is a celebration of those memories—with an added punch of fresh strawberries to keep things modern, fun, and irresistibly juicy.
Why This Refresher Stands Out
This isn’t just any fruity tea—it’s a harmony of three powerhouse ingredients:
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Hibiscus: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also gives the drink its stunning ruby color.
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Strawberries: Sweet, fiber-rich, and full of flavor. When blended into a purée, they add body and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with hibiscus.
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Lemon juice: Bright, tart, and citrusy, it brings balance and zing.
This trio works wonders together, and the addition of maple syrup ensures it’s naturally sweetened without refined sugar.
Perfect For…
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Summer BBQs
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Poolside lounging
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Brunch with friends
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Hydration on a detox day
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Non-alcoholic happy hour
And guess what? It’s even kid-approved!
Ingredients & Tools
Equipment:
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High-speed or regular blender
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Fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag
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Kettle or saucepan
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Large pitcher
Ingredients (Serves 4):
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2 cups water
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2 hibiscus tea bags or 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
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½ cup strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (or more to taste)
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Optional: fresh mint, extra strawberry slices, lemon wheels, ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Hibiscus Tea
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and steep your hibiscus tea bags (or loose petals) for 5 to 7 minutes. The longer the steep, the bolder the flavor.
Once done, strain out the petals or remove the bags. Let the tea cool completely before moving on. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge.
Pro Tip: Make the tea a day in advance for stronger flavor and faster assembly.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Purée
In a blender, combine:
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½ cup sliced strawberries
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¼ cup of the cooled hibiscus tea
Blend until smooth. For an ultra-smooth consistency, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to remove seeds and pulp.
Step 3: Mix It All Up
In a large pitcher, mix together:
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Remaining hibiscus tea
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Strawberry purée
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Lemon juice
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Maple syrup
Stir well and taste-test:
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Add more maple syrup for sweetness
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Add more lemon juice for tartness
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill your glasses with ice, pour in the refresher, and garnish with:
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Sliced strawberries
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Lemon wheels
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Fresh mint leaves
It’s ready to sip and enjoy!
Add Your Own Twist
Want to make it sparkle? Here are some fun ways to riff on this recipe:
✨ Sparkling Hibiscus Lemonade
Top with club soda or lemon seltzer just before serving for a fizzy kick.
🍷 Hibiscus Cocktail Version
Add 1 oz of vodka or gin for a boozy brunch twist.
🍑 Tropical Variation
Replace strawberries with mango or passionfruit for a fruity Caribbean vibe.
Related Summer Strawberry Drinks You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of strawberry-based drinks like this one, you’ll fall in love with these other cooling sippers from my recipe vault:
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Try this Springtime Strawberry Sipper for a floral, elderflower-laced treat.
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Looking for something zippy? Check out this Tart and Sweet Strawberry Limeade for a punch of citrus.
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Feeling bold and a little nostalgic? The Strawberry Dirty Sprite blends strawberries with a surprising twist.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: 72
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Carbs: 18g
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Sugars: 15g
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Protein: 0.3g
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Fat: 0.2g
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Fiber: 1g
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Vitamin C: 33mg
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Potassium: 132mg
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Sodium: 14mg
This is a low-calorie, refreshing drink that fits almost every lifestyle—vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed jar for up to 3 days.
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Shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
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Do not add ice to the pitcher unless serving immediately—it will dilute the flavor.
Join the Conversation
Did you try this Hibiscus Tea Strawberry-Lemonade Refresher? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram using #SharonSummerSips. I love seeing your versions—especially with your creative add-ins!