How to Make Roselle Tea (aka Hibiscus)

Wondering how to make roselle tea to brighten your skin and boost your health? You’re not alone. Many are turning to this tart herbal tea for its vibrant colour and promising skincare benefits.

As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

Why Roselle Tea?

Roselle tea, made from the hibiscus flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, isn’t just a visual delight with its distinct maroon colour and tart floral notes; it’s a treasure trove of health benefits. 

Also known as Agua de Jamaica in Latin America, where it’s celebrated not only for its beauty but also for its medicinal properties, the roselle hibiscus tea is more than just a refreshing beverage.

Loaded with vitamin C and super-rich in other antioxidants, roselle tea has anti-inflammatory properties, supporting your health and enhances your skincare (1). 

It also aids in weight loss by preventing the accumulation of fat (2). 

Its effectiveness in helping to lower blood pressure also makes it a valuable treatment for high blood pressure and an ally against cardiovascular disease (3). 

For those looking to balance a healthy lifestyle with delicious, refreshing beverages, adding a cup of this floral delight to your daily routine could be just what you need.

Note: If you have low blood pressure, then drinking hibiscus tea may not be for you. 

You’ll also like: Is Hibiscus Tea Safe Every Day? Find Out!

How to Make Roselle Tea

Make this bright red beauty using the edible calyx (dried flowers) from the roselle plant.

Classic Roselle Tea

The first recipe you should master, for a classic roselle tea with a naturally tart flavour 

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon of dried roselle flowers
2. 1 cup of water

Instructions

1. Boil the Water

• Heat 1 cup of water in a kettle or pot until just below boiling—around 200°F (93°C) is ideal. This temperature helps to release the flavours without destroying the delicate hibiscus petals.

2. Steep the Tea

1. Place the dried flowers into a tea strainer or infuser.
2. Set the strainer or infuser in your cup.
3. Pour the hot water over the strainer and steep for 5-7 minutes. Adjust the time based on how strong or tart you prefer your tea. But be careful not to steep beyond this time to avoid a bitter taste.

3. Remove Infuser and Serve

1. Lift the tea strainer or infuser out of the cup, letting any excess water drip out.
2. Enjoy your roselle hibiscus tea either hot or let it cool to make a refreshing iced tea.

You may also like:
How to Brew Perfect Hibiscus Tea from Your Garden

Cold Brewed Roselle Tea

Ideal for a hot day in summer, this cold-brewed version of roselle tea offers a naturally refreshing drink to keep you cool and hydrated. It still has a naturally tart and bright red hue. 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried roselle flowers
• 1 cup cold water
• Ice cubes
• Sweetener of your choice

Instructions

1. Combine the dried roselle flowers and cold water in a pitcher.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flowers to steep slowly.
3. In the morning, strain out the flowers and serve the tea chilled with ice cubes and your sweetener of choice.

Fruity Roselle 

This fruity twist on roselle tea is perfect for those looking for a vibrant, flavour-packed beverage that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried roselle flowers
• A few slices of fresh fruit (like peach or mango)
• 1 cup water or even cranberry juice

Instructions

1. Place the roselle flowers and fruit slices in a teapot.
2. Pour hot water over them and let steep for about 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Strain out the flowers and fruit, then serve the colourful and flavourful tea.

Spicy Hot Roselle Tea 

Great for warming up on chilly days or when you need a comforting boost, this spicy hot version of roselle tea brings a zesty kick to your cup.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried roselle flowers
• 1 small piece of ginger or a pinch of ground cardamom
• 1 cup water
• Sweetener of your choice

Instructions

1. Heat water until it is just about to boil.
2. Add the roselle flowers and your choice of ginger or cardamom to a teapot.
3. Pour the hot water over them and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup, add sweetener if you choose, and enjoy the spicy, tangy kick it offers.

Enhance the flavour: To add more depth, include a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves with the roselle during steeping. The spices will infuse beautifully, creating a warm, inviting flavour profile.

Holiday Blend 

The perfect festive drink, this holiday blend combines traditional spices with roselle tea, creating a cozy, inviting beverage ideal for holiday gatherings or a quiet winter evening.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried roselle flowers
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1 cup water
• Sweetener of choice

Instructions

1. Heat water until it is just about to boil.
2. In a teapot, combine the roselle flowers with cinnamon, star anise, and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Pour the hot water over the spices and steep for 7 to 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup, embracing the festive flavours for a cozy, seasonal treat.

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Hibiscus vs green tea: Which is better for beauty?

Tips for a Perfect Roselle Tea

To get the most out of your roselle tea recipe, here are some tips to ensure each cup is as perfect as the last:

• Storage: Keep your dried roselle flowers in an airtight lid container, stored away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life.
• Steeping Time: Watch the clock! Roselle’s tart flavour can become overwhelmingly bitter if over-steeped. Testing different steeping times can help you find your perfect balance.
• Enhancing Flavours: Feel free to experiment by adding mint leaves or a slice of fresh ginger during the steeping process for an extra kick. A little maple syrup or your preferred sweetener of choice can also be added to softened the tartness if desired.
• Cold Brewing: For a less acidic brew, try cold brewing your roselle tea by steeping the flowers in cold water and leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. This method pulls out the flavours more gently, resulting in a smoother taste.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your roselle tea is not only delicious but also a healthful addition to your daily routine.

How to Make Roselle Tea

Mastering how to make roselle tea offers more than just a delightful drinking experience; it’s a gateway to enhancing your well-being, one cup at a time. Whether you enjoy it hot or prefer a cool refresher, each sip promises beauty and health benefits that make roselle tea worth the brew. So why not turn this simple beverage into a daily ritual that keeps you feeling great all day long?

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!

1. Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, et al. The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutr J. 2010;9:3. Published 2010 Jan 22. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-9-3
2. Chang HC, Peng CH, Yeh DM, Kao ES, Wang CJ. Hibiscus sabdariffa extract inhibits obesity and fat accumulation, and improves liver steatosis in humans. Food Funct. 2014;5(4):734-739. doi:10.1039/c3fo60495k
3. Hibiscus Tea for Hypertension at NutritionFacts.org