Hibiscus tea is the perfect beverage for a hot summer day. The bold burgundy hue gives it a festive air sure to brighten any party or pool deck. It’s non-caffeinated, allowing you to relax and unwind without becoming restless or, more importantly, it’s something kids can drink without an extra jolt of energy. When served chilled, it tastes refreshingly sweet with floral notes and a hint of tartness. The smell is intoxicating, inviting you to take a sip.

How to Make Hibiscus Tea

To make hibiscus tea, first steep dried hibiscus flowers, also known as flor de jamaica,with water overnight. Then strain the flowers out, pressing on them to release all their precious liquid; next add additional water and sugar to sweeten it. I like to make it in a big batch so I can sip it over the course of several days. It’s also great for parties and you can always add a shot of rum to your tea, if you want to make it into an adult beverage.

Quench your thirst sipping hibiscus tea on a sweltering hot day or turn it into an adult beverage to drink with friends during cocktail hour; either way is sure to satisfy. I’ll have a batch in my fridge all summer long, ready to pour after a day at the beach or when visitors drop in to say hello. It’s easily prepared in advance, so it’s ready when you need it. When your stock gets low, just steep another batch. Steep. Sip. Repeat. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite drink that reminds you of summer? Mine have varied throughout my life: a cold can of coke at the beach, sipping barley tea in Japan during the summer—every place we frequented welcoming us with a cold glass, starting the day with a café con leche and Cuban toast in Miami. This summer, though, will be the summer of hibiscus tea.

If you’re looking for another non-caffeinated alternative to traditional tea to sip this summer, check out this roasted barley tea recipe and serve it chilled.

Toddler Sensory Play Activity – Painting with Hibiscus Flowers

If you have little ones in the house, let them paint with the leftover steeped hibiscus flowers. After draining the steeped tea, place the discarded hibiscus flowers in a bowl next to some white craft paper. Let your kids draw designs on the paper using the flowers as brushes (please note: their hands may stain). Their paintings will be vibrant red at first and quickly morph into purple.