Iced Hibiscus Tea

Nadia Roden discovered this tangy and sweet beverage in Egypt, where people stop at street vendors to drink and chat all day long. Tasty Snack Recipes

Total Time:
25 mins
Yield:
2 quarts

Ingredients

  • 2 quarts plus 1/2 cup water

  • 1 1/2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (1 1/2 ounces; see Note)

  • 1 cup sugar

  • Ice cubes

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and hibiscus flowers and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, until dissolved. Pour the drink into a medium bowl. Fill a larger bowl with ice water and set the smaller bowl inside. Stir the drink occasionally until chilled, about 10 minutes. Strain the cooler into a pitcher and serve in tall glasses over ice.

Make Ahead

The iced tea can be refrigerated overnight.

Notes

Dried hibiscus flowers can be found at specialty food stores and at Latin and Caribbean markets, where they are called sorrel or flor de Jamaica.

Originally appeared: February 2004

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