Looking for a delicious homemade herbal tea? This hibiscus and dandelion tea combines the tart, fruity flavor of hibiscus with the slightly bitter, earthy notes of dandelion. Sweetened to taste, it's a refreshing drink you can enjoy hot or iced throughout the year.
This is one of our favorite ways to use edible dandelions from the garden. The dandelion adds depth to the hibiscus, creating a flavorful tea that's a nice change from ordinary black tea. We especially enjoy making a large batch to keep in the refrigerator, ready to warm up or pour over ice.
Hibiscus & Dandelion Tea at a Glance
Flavor: Tart, floral, lightly bitter, and sweet
Preparation: Stovetop infusion
Simmering time: About 15 minutes
Batch size: Approximately 8 quarts before evaporation
Serve: Hot or iced
Caffeine: Naturally caffeine-free if you omit the optional black tea
Why Hibiscus and Dandelion Work So Well Together
Hibiscus is popular in herbal teas because of its beautiful deep red color and bright, cranberry-like tartness. Dandelion adds a different dimension to the drink, bringing slightly earthy, bitter notes that balance the sweetness.
We like to use dried Mexican hibiscus flowers, often sold as flor de Jamaica. They have a wonderful fragrance and produce a beautifully colored tea. Look for food-grade dried hibiscus intended for brewing.
For the dandelions, freshly picked yellow flower petals are a great option in spring. During the winter, when fresh blooms aren't available, dried dandelion leaves make a convenient substitute. The leaves generally have a more pronounced bitter flavor than the petals, so it's best to start with a smaller amount.
Important foraging safety: Only use dandelions that you can positively identify and that have not been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or other lawn chemicals. Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, pet areas, or potentially contaminated locations. Thoroughly rinse fresh flowers before using them, and use food-grade dried ingredients when purchasing them.
Hibiscus & Dandelion Tea Recipe
This is a large-batch recipe, perfect for making several pitchers of tea to enjoy throughout the week. The sweetness and strength can be adjusted to your preference.
Recipe note: These are the proportions used in our original large-batch recipe. Because dried hibiscus can vary in strength, you may prefer to begin with 2 cups and adjust future batches. The same goes for sugar and dandelion. Taste the finished tea and make it your own.
How to Make Hibiscus & Dandelion Tea
Follow these simple steps to brew a flavorful batch of homemade herbal tea.
STEP 1
Combine the Ingredients
Pour the water into a large stockpot, leaving plenty of room at the top to prevent boiling over. Add the dried hibiscus flowers and either the fresh dandelion petals or dried dandelion leaves.
Add the sugar and stir to combine. If you want a slightly deeper flavor, you can also add two black tea bags, but remember that this will introduce caffeine.
STEP 2
Bring to a Gentle Boil
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
STEP 3
Simmer and Brew
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the hibiscus and dandelion steep in the hot water for approximately 15 minutes.
You'll notice the water developing a beautiful deep red color and a fragrant, floral aroma. A longer infusion will produce a stronger, potentially more tart and bitter tea. If using black tea bags, remove them after about 3–5 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness.
STEP 4
Strain the Tea
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the tea to cool enough to handle safely. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the hibiscus flowers, dandelion petals, and other solids.
Gently press the softened flowers with the back of a spoon to release some of the remaining liquid. Be careful when working with the hot mixture.
STEP 5
Serve Hot or Chill for Later
Taste the tea and adjust the sweetness if needed. Enjoy a cup while it's warm, or transfer the strained tea into smaller, heat-safe containers for cooling and refrigeration.
For iced tea, pour the chilled infusion over a glass of ice. For hot tea, gently warm an individual serving whenever you're ready to enjoy it.
How to Serve and Store Hibiscus Dandelion Tea
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Make a big batch, then enjoy it different ways depending on the weather or your mood.
Serve It Hot
Pour freshly brewed tea into a mug, or gently reheat a refrigerated serving. This is especially nice on chilly mornings or during the winter months.
Serve It Iced
Chill the strained tea thoroughly, then pour over ice. For a refreshing twist, add a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint.
Store It in the Refrigerator
Refrigerate the strained tea promptly in clean, covered containers. Divide large batches into smaller containers to cool more quickly. For best quality, use within 3–4 days and discard any tea that develops an unusual odor or appearance.
Tips for Making the Best Hibiscus & Dandelion Tea
- Harvest young dandelion flowers. For the best flavor, collect freshly opened yellow blooms before they turn into white seed heads. Separate the petals from the green bases, which can add extra bitterness.
- Use dried dandelion leaves when flowers aren't available. This makes the recipe convenient throughout the year. Start with a small amount because leaves can be more bitter than flower petals.
- Adjust the sweetness gradually. Hibiscus is naturally tart, so taste the tea before adding more sugar. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount in your next batch.
- Use food-grade hibiscus. Choose dried hibiscus flowers intended for culinary use rather than ornamental hibiscus collected from the garden.
- Make a smaller batch if needed. This recipe can easily be halved or quartered while maintaining the same ingredient proportions.
- Keep it caffeine-free. The hibiscus and dandelion ingredients do not naturally contain caffeine. Simply leave out the optional black tea bags.
A note about herbal teas: Hibiscus and dandelion can interact with certain medications or may not be appropriate for everyone. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition, check with a qualified healthcare professional before consuming concentrated herbal infusions regularly.
A Delicious Way to Enjoy Garden Ingredients
Whether you're harvesting fresh dandelion petals in spring or making a warm cup of tea on New Year's morning, this hibiscus and dandelion tea is a wonderful way to enjoy something a little different.
The contrast between tart hibiscus, subtle dandelion bitterness, and just the right amount of sweetness makes this a flavorful homemade drink. Experiment with the proportions until you find your favorite combination!
References
- Nebraska Extension — Dandelions: More Than Yard Pests
- University of Vermont Extension — Dandelions: Foe or Friend?
- Oregon State University Extension — Dandelions: Living With, or Without, Them