Short Description

A refreshing iced herbal tea blending tart hibiscus, zesty lemongrass, fresh basil, and sweet honey — brightened with lime and served chilled over ice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrantly flavored and naturally refreshing — perfect on hot days
Naturally sweetened with honey (or vegan alternatives like maple syrup or coconut sugar)
Herbal and citrus notes balance the tart hibiscus beautifully
Simple to make in large batches for gathering or everyday sipping

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

5 cups water
1 lemongrass stalk, thinly sliced (plus extra intact stalks for serving)
¼ cup honey (or more to taste); for a vegan version use coconut sugar or maple syrup
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
¾ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves (plus extra fresh basil for garnish)
¼ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice (plus lime slices for serving)

Directions

Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
Remove the pot from heat, then add the sliced lemongrass, honey (or vegan sweetener), dried hibiscus flowers, and basil leaves.
Cover the pot and let the ingredients steep together for about 20 minutes.
Strain the mixture into a pitcher, discarding the spent lemongrass, hibiscus flowers, and basil.
Stir in the fresh-squeezed lime juice. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Chill the tea completely in the refrigerator.
To serve, pour over ice and garnish with a fresh lemongrass stalk, basil leaves, and lime slices.

Servings And Timing

Servings: yields about 5 cups (roughly 4–5 servings)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steeping Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: at least 1 hour (until cold)
Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

Vegan: substitute honey with coconut sugar or maple syrup
Sweetness level: adjust honey or sweetener to taste after steeping
Herb twists: experiment with mint or Thai basil instead of—or alongside—basil leaves
Fruit additions: add slices of orange, or crushed berries (like raspberries or strawberries) to the pitcher before chilling
Citrus swap: use lemon juice instead of lime, or add a splash of orange juice for variation

Storage/Reheating

Storing: keep the chilled tea in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if separation occurs.
Reheating: this tea is meant to be served cold. For a warm version, gently heat the strained tea on the stove, adding citrus and sweetener as needed.

FAQs

What Is Hibiscus Flower Tea?

Hibiscus flower tea is made from steeped dried hibiscus petals, offering a tart, cranberry-like flavor and deep red hue. It’s naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.

Can I Use Fresh Basil Versus Dried?

Fresh basil is preferred here for its bright, aromatic flavor. Dried basil will yield a milder, less vibrant herbal note.

Is There A Caffeine In This Tea?

No, this is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea — ideal for any time of day.

How Sweet Should It Be?

Start with ¼ cup honey or sweetener, taste after steeping and lime is added, then increase in small increments if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Can I Prepare This Tea Ahead Of Time?

Yes—steep the tea and chill it ahead, then serve later over ice. Consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Can I Serve It Hot Instead?

Absolutely—after straining, warm the tea gently on the stove and serve as a soothing hot herbal beverage.

What If I Don’t Have Lemongrass?

You can substitute with lemon zest or slices of fresh lemon peel for a citrus-like aroma, though it won’t replicate the exact lemongrass profile.

How Much Lime Juice Do I Use?

Use about ¼ cup fresh lime juice per 5 cups of water. Taste and add more if you like a stronger citrus tang.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes—simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot and serving container. Steeping time remains about 20 minutes.

Can I Add Other Fruits Or Herbs?

Definitely—try adding fresh mint leaves, cucumber slices, orange slices, or berries for extra flavor layers.

Conclusion

This Hibiscus, Lemongrass And Basil Honey Sweet Iced Tea is a beautifully balanced herbal drink—vibrant, refreshing, and naturally sweet. It’s easy to make and perfect for summer afternoons, gatherings, or just a daily treat. Adjust sweetness, herbs, or citrus to your taste and serve chilled over ice with stylish garnishes for a stunning, thirst-quenching beverage.