Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Recipe

Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is made with a vibrant infusion of hibiscus and green tea, sweetened with white grape juice and a homemade simple syrup. The result is a jewel-toned, thirst-quenching drink studded with floating frozen berries that offers a perfect balance of floral tartness and fruity sweetness. It is the ultimate cooling beverage for a hot summer afternoon and a fantastic homemade alternative to the coffee shop classic.

Jump to Recipe

Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup Sugar: White granulated sugar creates a clear syrup.
• 1 cup Water: To dissolve the sugar.

For the Refresher Base:

• 1 Green Tea Bag: Provides a subtle, earthy caffeine kick and depth.
• 1 Hibiscus Tea Bag: Essential for the deep magenta color and tart, cranberry-like flavor.
• 2 cups Boiling Water: For steeping.
• 1/4 cup White Grape Juice: Adds a fruity sweetness that mimics the original recipe’s flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons Simple Syrup: (From the batch above). Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 cup Frozen Mixed Berries: Blackberries to float and stain the drink purple.
• Ice Cubes: Plenty of them.

How To Make Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

1. Dissolve the sugar: To make the simple syrup, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar crystals have completely dissolved and the liquid is clear. Remove from heat and let cool completely. (Store the excess in a jar).
2. Steep the tea: Place the green tea bag and the hibiscus tea bag into a heatproof jug. Pour over the 2 cups of boiling water. Let the teas steep for exactly 5 minutes. Remove the bags and discard them. Allow the tea concentrate to cool to room temperature.
3. Mix the base: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea concentrate, the white grape juice, and about 2 tablespoons of the prepared simple syrup. Stir well. Taste and add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
4. Assemble the glass: Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes. Add a handful of frozen mixed berries (blackberries are traditional). Pour the hibiscus mixture over the ice.
5. Serve the drink: Stir gently to distribute the berries. Garnish with a wedge of lemon or a sprig of mint if desired and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Cooling is Crucial: Do not pour hot tea over the ice, or it will dilute instantly. For the best flavor, chill the tea mixture in the fridge for an hour before serving.
• White Grape Juice: This specific juice is the secret ingredient. Purple grape juice will make the drink muddy; white grape juice adds sweetness without altering the beautiful hibiscus color.
• Berry Bleed: Using frozen berries rather than fresh is actually preferred here. As they thaw in the drink, they release their juices, adding color and flavor to the liquid as you sip.
• Caffeine Control: If you want a caffeine-free version for children or evening drinking, simply omit the green tea bag and use two hibiscus bags instead.

What To Serve With Berry Hibiscus Refresher?

This light, fruity drink pairs wonderfully with fresh bakery items. Serve it alongside a slice of lemon loaf cake or a warm cheese danish for a mid-morning treat. For a savory lunch pairing, it cuts through the richness of a toasted panini or a chicken salad croissant perfectly.

How To Store Leftovers Refresher?

• Refrigerate: Store the mixed tea base (without ice or berries) in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Syrup: The leftover simple syrup can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 month. Use it for iced coffees or cocktails.

Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~90 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 0g
• Nutrition information is estimated per glass (using 2 tbsp syrup).

FAQs