Hibiscus Ginger Tea: Recipe and How to Make It

Hibiscus ginger tea is a tart herbal infusion of dried hibiscus and fresh ginger that takes about 20 minutes to make and yields approximately 4 cups (950 mL). It is one way to enjoy herbal detox tea as a flavorful drink, though it does not replace the body’s natural waste-removal processes.

What is hibiscus ginger tea?

Hibiscus ginger tea is made by steeping dried hibiscus calyces and sliced ginger in hot water, then straining them out. Hibiscus gives the tea its deep red color and tart flavor; ginger adds a warming, slightly spicy note.

Use food-grade dried hibiscus labeled Hibiscus sabdariffa, rather than ornamental flowers that may have been treated with chemicals. This recipe is unsweetened, so you can adjust the flavor after brewing.

How do you make hibiscus ginger tea?

Allow about 5 minutes to prepare the ingredients, about 5 minutes to heat the water and 10 minutes to steep. Heating time can vary depending on your kettle or stove.

Ingredients

950 mL (4 cups) water
10 g (about 1/4 cup) dried culinary hibiscus
10 g (about 1 tablespoon or 1/16 cup) thinly sliced fresh ginger

Steps

Rinse the ginger and slice it thinly. Peeling is optional.
Bring the water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan.
Place the dried hibiscus and ginger in a heatproof teapot or pitcher.
Pour the hot water over the ingredients, cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain into cups and serve warm, or pour over ice for an iced drink.

Try the ai detox recipe generator for another personalized drink idea.

For a stronger ginger flavor, slice the ginger as thinly as you can. If the finished tea is too tart, dilute it with a little water; if you sweeten it, remember that the sweetener adds calories.

The tea is ready to drink after straining. For an iced version that is less diluted, chill the strained tea before serving instead of pouring it directly over ice. Use a covered container and follow the storage guidance below.

What does hibiscus ginger tea do for detox?

Hibiscus ginger tea provides fluid, which helps keep you hydrated. Hydration supports normal body functions, including those of the organs that process and eliminate waste.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Sweat removes only trace amounts. There is no evidence that hibiscus ginger tea provides a detox beyond these normal processes.

Research on individual ingredients should not be treated as proof that this particular tea has a medical benefit. Enjoy it for its flavor and as a source of fluid, not as a treatment or substitute for medical care.

How much hibiscus ginger tea should you drink, and when?

A 1-cup (about 240 mL) serving is a practical starting point. There is no established amount or best time of day for drinking hibiscus ginger tea for detox. Have it when you enjoy it, and pay attention to how it makes you feel.

For leftovers, refrigerate the strained tea in a covered container within 2 hours. Drink it within 24 hours for best flavor, and discard it after 2–3 days or sooner if it becomes unusually cloudy, slimy or smells spoiled. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

What are the side effects of hibiscus ginger tea?

Hibiscus ginger tea may cause stomach discomfort, and ginger can aggravate heartburn in some people. Stop drinking it if it consistently makes you feel unwell and speak with a clinician about persistent symptoms.

If you have low blood pressure or take blood-pressure medicine, ask a clinician whether hibiscus is appropriate for you. Also check before drinking it regularly if you take a blood thinner or an antiplatelet medicine, because ginger may increase bleeding risk. Do not stop prescribed medication to drink the tea.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or want to give the tea to a child, check with a clinician first about regular use. Seek urgent care for fainting, trouble breathing or serious bleeding.

Frequently asked questions about hibiscus ginger tea

Can you make hibiscus ginger tea ahead?

Yes. Make and strain the tea, then refrigerate it in a covered container within 2 hours. Serve it chilled or reheat a portion, following the storage guidance above.

Can you use fresh hibiscus instead of dried?

Use only hibiscus intended for food, and check that it is an edible variety. Fresh and dried hibiscus differ in strength, so the amount in this recipe may not be a direct substitute.