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Cherry Hibiscus Iced Tea: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink

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Homemade black tea infused with vibrant cherry hibiscus syrup. Perfect for hot days!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 6 cups water
  • 6 black tea bags (or loose leaf equivalent)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries, for garnish (optional)
  • Hibiscus flowers, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the dried hibiscus flowers, cherries, sugar, and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
  3. Simmer and Reduce: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce and thicken slightly.
  4. Strain the Syrup: Remove from heat. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a heat-proof bowl or jar. Pour the mixture through the sieve, pressing down on the solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids.
  5. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice.
  6. Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  7. Heat the Water: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
  8. Steep the Tea: Remove from heat and add the black tea bags (or loose leaf tea). Steep for 3-5 minutes.
  9. Remove Tea Bags: Remove the tea bags or infuser.
  10. Cool the Tea: Allow the tea to cool completely. Refrigerate to speed up the process.
  11. Fill Glasses with Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  12. Add Cherry Hibiscus Syrup: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of cherry hibiscus syrup into each glass (adjust to taste).
  13. Pour in the Black Tea: Fill the glasses with the cooled black tea.
  14. Stir Well: Stir well to combine the syrup and tea.
  15. Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
  16. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh cherries, hibiscus flowers, and/or lemon slices.
  17. Serve and Enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjusting Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to your preference.
  • Using Different Teas: Experiment with different types of tea like green tea or herbal teas.
  • Adding Sparkling Water: Top off the iced tea with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist.
  • Making a Cocktail: Add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum for a cocktail version.
  • Freezing for Later: Freeze the cherry hibiscus syrup in ice cube trays for later use.
  • Cherry Variety: Use any variety of cherries you like!

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/cherry-hibiscus-iced-tea/