Craving a refreshing iced tea that isn’t packed with sugary sweetness? This Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler hits the mark! It’s slightly tart, not too sweet and naturally sweetened.
When you’re looking for a thirst quenching, delicious drink to enjoy for mocktails, spring or summer drinks, or something the whole family can enjoy, this recipe has you covered. It’s perfect for summer BBQ’s, picnics, spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea time and more!
Why You’ll Love This Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler
Store-bought powdered iced tea mixes and premade iced tea is usually packed with refined cane sugar and often has flavorings that aren’t so “natural”. This healthier hibiscus cooler is made from scratch with simple, real food ingredients like herbal tea, strawberries and honey.
- Simple: It’s so easy to make this homemade hibiscus strawberry iced tea with just a handful of real food ingredients. Plus it’s super easy to prepare! You’ll need to be a little patient while the tea steeps, but it’s worth it. Once the hibiscus tea has steeped, it becomes a gorgeous, bright crimson or deep magenta color (depending on how long it steeps). It’s such a pretty color!
- Flavor: Hibiscus has a very distinct, delightful taste. It’s a little bit tart, lemony and fruity in flavor and absolutely heavenly paired with sweet, juicy strawberries.
- Healthy Iced Tea: Hibiscus is known for being higher in vitamin C, rich in antioxidants and is known as a hydrating, cooling herb (according to traditional Chinese medicine). Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C and their natural sweetness cancels out the bitterness of the hibiscus and simply lets the flavor shine through.
This hibiscus strawberry iced tea is perfect for spring and summertime. It’s a lovely mocktail drink to serve for brunch or afternoon tea and an extra special iced tea for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, summer parties and holiday gatherings – it’s especially fun and festive for the 4th of July.
Hibiscus Cooler Recipe Equipment
- Medium-Large Saucepan: A saucepan is needed to make the hibiscus tea. You’ll want to make sure to use a pot that has a lid – the lid helps keep the nutritional benefits of the tea when steeping.
- Glass Measuring Cup: I like to use glass measuring cups for measuring all of the ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons: You’ll need a tablespoon for measuring the honey.
- Blender: A blender is needed to mix up some of the tea, frozen strawberries and honey.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: I recommend using a fine mesh strainer for this drink, it helps remove the strawberry seeds.
- Heat-Safe Large Pitcher or Mason Jar: You’ll need a pitcher or 64 oz (2 quart) mason jar to store the hibiscus strawberry cooler.
- Knife: A knife is needed to slice the fresh strawberries that go in the hibiscus cooler.
Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler Ingredient Notes
- Filtered Water: I always recommend using filtered water for drinks, making ice cubes, cooking, etc.
- Hibiscus Lemongrass Tea: The main star of this iced tea cooler is the hibiscus tea. I recommend using a tea that also contains lemongrass, as this is an important flavor component for the drink as well.
- Raw Honey: Honey is one of my favorite natural sweeteners to use in iced tea. Make sure to use a lighter honey like clover, star thistle or orange blossom. I do not recommend using wildflower honey varieties – they often are too overpowering and strong in flavor.
- Frozen Strawberries: Frozen strawberries are needed to add the strawberry component of this iced tea cooler. I recommend using frozen organic strawberries. You can find these in most grocery stores. Trader Joe’s seems to have one of the best price points for frozen organic strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: Slices of strawberries are so yummy in this refreshing iced tea cooler. They add a little extra special touch to the drink. You can omit them if you’d like to.
- Ice: You’ll need ice to make this cooler a true iced tea. This drink is so refreshing served over ice on a hot day.
How to Make This Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler
It’s so easy to make this delicious, healthy and refreshing Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea cooler – but you do need to prepare it a little bit in advance, steeping the tea and chilling the tea.
Get yourself some fresh, organic strawberries. Yes, choosing organic strawberries for this is important because they are currently #2 on the EWG’s Pesticides in Produce Dirty Dozen™ list.
Prep the Strawberries
You’ll want to wash the fresh strawberries first – please don’t skip this step. Even if the strawberries are organic, you’ll still want to wash them because oil based pesticides and ripening agents are found (and allowed) on organic produce. Washing the strawberries will help remove any leftover residue, debris and dirt. I recommend using a vinegar water soak.
Once you’ve washed and dried the strawberries, grab a cutting board and a knife and slice them up, then set them aside for later.
Make the Hibiscus-Lemongrass Tea
In a medium-size saucepan, add the water and over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, remove from the heat and hang the tea bags inside the saucepan in the water, allowing the tags to hang over the side of the pan. Then cover the saucepan and allow the tea bags to steep for 15 minutes.
After the tea has steeped, remove the lid from the saucepan and gently squeeze the tea bags over the saucepan to release the extra herbal tea goodness, then discard.
Carefully pour the tea into a heat-safe large pitcher or 64 oz (2 quart) mason jar (if your pitcher/jar is not heat-safe, allow the tea to come to room temperature first). Then measure out 2 cups of tea and pour it into a blender. Set the pitcher aside.
Make the Hibiscus Strawberry Cooler
To the blender, add the frozen strawberries and honey, blending on medium speed until fully combined with no strawberry chunks remaining.
Next, place a fine mesh strainer over the pitcher and pour the strawberry mixture into the tea-filled pitcher. If you don’t mind the strawberry seeds, you can skip using the fine mesh strainer – my preference is strained. Then place the drink in the refrigerator to chill.
Add the ice directly to the hibiscus strawberry tea or add ice to individual glasses and pour the hibiscus strawberry tea over the ice. Garnish with the sliced strawberries and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs: Tips for the Best Hibiscus Cooler Drink
- How much hibiscus strawberry iced tea will this recipe make? The finished yield is about 6 cups without ice.
- What is the best way to store the hibiscus cooler? For the best flavor, store the hibiscus strawberry tea covered in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours. Do not add ice to the stored hibiscus strawberry tea as it will dilute the tea and slightly lessen the bold flavor.
- Can this hibiscus cooler mocktail recipe be doubled? Yes! This recipe is easy to double and triple.
- What kind of honey should be used in this hibiscus strawberry iced tea? I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey - I love their “orange blossom” and “original” honey. I also love using this raw honey in their “white clover blossom” and “light and mild” honey – some grocery stores carry this brand.
- Can you substitute the honey for another sweetener in this recipe? My preference is honey when it comes to any iced tea or refreshing drinks. However, if you need to use another natural sweetener, maple syrup is a good choice – it will alter the flavor a little though.
- How should this hibiscus strawberry iced tea cooler be served? This delicious iced tea cooler should be served over ice and garnished with fresh strawberry slices. It’s perfect for afternoon teatime, spring and summer gatherings, holiday parties and more!
This Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler is such a fun and yummy drink for the whole family and perfect for the spring and summer months. As always, make sure hibiscus is right for you and always omit the honey if you're feeding it to a little one under 2 years old.
If You Like This Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler Recipe, You May Also Like These Delicious Recipes from Recipes to Nourish:
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Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler
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Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler
Craving a refreshing iced tea that isn’t packed with sugary sweetness? This Hibiscus Strawberry Iced Tea Cooler hits the mark! It’s slightly tart, not too sweet and naturally sweetened.
Ingredients
- 5 cups filtered water
- 5 organic hibiscus-lemongrass tea bags (this is my favorite tea brand)
- 2 tablespoon mild and light colored raw honey (this is my favorite honey)
- 2 cups frozen organic strawberries
- 3 cups ice cubes, made from filtered water (I use this)
- 1 cup fresh organic strawberries, hulled and sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-size saucepan, add the water and over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, remove from the heat and hang the tea bags inside the saucepan in the water, allowing the tags to hang over the side of the pan. Then cover the saucepan and allow the tea bags to steep for 15 minutes.
- After the tea has steeped, remove the lid from the saucepan and gently squeeze the tea bags over the saucepan to release the extra tea goodness, then discard the tea bags.
- Carefully pour the tea into a heat-safe large pitcher or 64 oz (2 quart) mason jar (if your pitcher/jar is not heat-safe, allow the tea to come to room temperature first). Then measure out 2 cups of tea and pour it into a blender. Set the pitcher aside.
- To the blender, add the frozen strawberries and honey, blending on medium speed until fully combined with no strawberry chunks remaining.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over the pitcher and pour the strawberry mixture into the tea-filled pitcher. If you don’t mind the strawberry seeds, skip using the fine mesh strainer – my preference is strained. Then place the strawberry tea-filled pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Add the ice directly to the hibiscus strawberry tea or add ice to individual glasses and pour the hibiscus strawberry tea over the ice. Garnish with sliced strawberries and enjoy!
Notes
Yield: 6 cups without ice
Equipment: Medium Saucepan w/ Lid, Glass Measuring Cup, Measuring Spoons, Fine Mesh Strainer, Blender, Knife, Cutting Board, Large Heat-Safe Glass Pitcher or 64 oz (2 quart) Mason Jar
Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter iced tea, increase the amount of honey to ¼ cup.
Raw Honey Notes: I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey (not wildflower honey) to ensure the flavor stays mild and doesn’t alter the flavor. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. I like and use these honey brands:
- GloryBee Simply Raw Honey in their “White Clover Blossom” or “Light and Mild” (some grocery stores carry this brand)
- Local Hive Raw & Unfiltered Clover or their Orange Blossom Honey (some grocery stores carry this brand)
- Honey Gardens Apiaries Unfiltered Raw Honey
- Honey Gardens Apiaries Unfiltered Orange Blossom Honey
Storage: For the best flavor, store the hibiscus strawberry tea covered in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours. Do not add ice to the stored hibiscus strawberry tea as it will dilute the tea and slightly lessen the bold flavor.
Cold Brew Option: The night before making the recipe, hang the 5 tea bags inside a large pitcher or 64 oz (2 quart) mason jar with the paper tags hanging outside the top of the pitcher/mason jar, then add the 5 cups of water to the pitcher/mason jar, cover with lid and place in the refrigerator overnight to steep (at least 8 hours). Remove the pitcher/mason jar from the refrigerator the next day and gently squeeze the tea bags over the pitcher/mason jar to release the extra tea goodness, then discard. The iced tea is now ready to use!
Loose Leaf Hibiscus & Lemongrass Tea Option: Instead of using tea bags, substitute the tea bags with 2 tablespoons loose dried hibiscus flowers and 1 teaspoon dried lemongrass and follow the same instructions above except allow the loose leaf tea to steep for 30 minutes.
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[Updated June 2025]
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 29Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g
This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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SuperMomNoCape
Thanks for posting this recipe. I just recently bought a box of Hibiscus tea to try it and found I really like it. This recipe will be fun to make this summer.
Emily Criswell
I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Tessa Domestic Diva
Drool! I use my hibiscus flowers primarily for kombucha...but i adore hibiscus! This looks great, I am featuring your recipe on Allergy Free Wednesday this week!
Emily Criswell
Thank you!!! I appreciate it.
Phoenix Helix
This recipe looks delicious AND it fits the paleo autoimmune protocol (a rare thing). So, thank you! I host a weekly Paleo AIP Recipe Roundtable through my blog, and I would love it if you linked up this recipe. I’m trying to expand resources for the AIP community.
Emily Criswell
Thanks! I'll link it up.
Tash
This looks SO refreshing! I love the combo and the ruby red color!
Emily Criswell
Thanks! 🙂
Jessica
Hibiscus and strawberry are one of my all time favorite flavor combinations. I will be trying this. Thanks!
Emily Criswell
Awesome! I love the combo too 🙂
Renee Kohley
Oh I love hibiscus! And strawberries! This definitely gets me excited about our June strawberry picking!
Emily Criswell
I'm so excited for strawberries too 🙂
Krystal
Ohhh Emily you just made me long for summer even more. I am so making this!
Emily Criswell
🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
Rachel @ day2dayjoys
Picturing me drinking this at the beach now and pretending there isn't 6 inches of snow outside! 🙂
Emily Criswell
Enjoy the snow while it lasts. 🙂
Megan Stevens
I'm looking forward to sharing this. It looks wonderful and just in time to pin for spring crops! 🙂
Emily Criswell
Thanks so much Megan!
Vanessa
Wow! The addition of cinnamon sounds like it would really make this extra delicious! I'm going to have to try it 🙂
Emily Criswell
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Kim
Oh my goodness!! This looks so refreshing and yummy!! I can't wait for a nice warm day to try this.
Emily Criswell
Thanks Kim!
linda spiker
What a pretty drink! Beautiful as always:)
Emily Criswell
Thank you xo
Anna @Green Talk
I wonder if it matter to use the red hibiscus or will any hibiscus work. It might be red but probably tastes as good.
Emily Criswell
I didn't know there are different varieties of hibiscus flowers. The ones I have used are always red.
A Armitage
This says it's an iced tea drink but I don't see any tea in the ingredients. Am I just missing it? Thanks!
Emily Criswell
The hibiscus tea is made with bulk herbs ... see the recipe for more details.
Debs
Love hibiscus tea and never thought to add strawberry. Thank you for the link to buy the hibiscus tea, I've been having trouble finding it since my local Smart & Final stopped carrying it.
Emily Criswell
I hope you get to make some, it's so delicious. 🙂
arin
This screams summer! Refreshing and gorge!
Emily Criswell
Thanks so much 🙂
candy
Loveing all these fresh ingredients to make a delicious drink. This is a winner.
Emily Criswell
Thanks Candy 🙂
Kari
What a refreshing idea for summer!
Kari
Emily Criswell
Thanks Kari! 🙂
klauss
In hibiscus a whole bunch of amino acids and protein 🙂 Very healthy thing, and in combination with strawberries also very tasty! Well done )
Allison - Celebrating Sweets
Beautiful drink! It sounds like the perfect spring/summer beverage!
Emily Criswell
Thank you 🙂
Jenn Slavich
Oh man, this looks so good! So refreshing. What a great treat. I'm so trying this recipe this weekend. We are suppose to have some sun so this will go perfectly thanks so much can't wait to try!
Emily Criswell
It's perfect on sunny days 🙂 Enjoy it!
Brittany Giles
I just purchased most of these ingredients and now I have something to do with them!
Emily Criswell
I hope you get to enjoy it 🙂
ananda
omg i LOVE this!! we have dried hibiscus and we grow lemon grass, never put these 2 together, YUM!
Emily Criswell
How fun that you grow lemon grass! They're so delicious together 🙂
Kusum
That looks so refreshing and delicious!! I need to find me some hibiscus flowers real soon so I can enjoy a glass myself 🙂
xx, Kusum
Emily Criswell
Hope you get to enjoy some 🙂
Aarika
Ooooh la la! I can't wait to try this recipe. I adore both hibiscus AND strawberries. Yum! Thanks for sharing this refreshing drink. Yay!
Emily Criswell
I hope you get to make some 🙂
Angie
These look sooooo delicious! I really want to try it.
Emily Criswell
Thanks! Hope you get to.