Hibiscus Iced Tea Strawberry Sangria

Hot days call for drinks that are crisp, colorful, and easy to share. Hibiscus Iced Tea Strawberry Sangria delivers exactly that, combining the ruby-red tartness of hibiscus tea with the sweetness of strawberries. Poured into a chilled pitcher, this sangria becomes a refreshing blend that feels light and festive. Keep it alcohol-free for family gatherings or add wine for a grown-up twist, and you’ll have summer captured in a glass.

At a Glance

• Servings: 6 to 8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Steep time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (or overnight for cold brew)
• Chill time: At least 4 hours
• Total time: About 5 hours
• ABV: 0% for alcohol-free, 6–8% with wine, 10–12% if fortified with brandy
• Skill level: Easy
• Equipment: Medium pot or kettle, strainer, large pitcher, long spoon, ice tray

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This drink feels like summer in a pitcher. It’s fruity, vibrant, and naturally caffeine free, which makes it perfect for sipping all day. Hibiscus brings a tangy flavor that cuts through sweetness, so every glass tastes balanced instead of heavy. It works for backyard BBQs, poolside afternoons, or even as a make-ahead party drink. You can keep it light and refreshing or add wine for a more traditional sangria vibe.

For more on the benefits of hibiscus tea and its uses beyond drinks, check our Hibiscus Tea Complete Guide.

Health Notes for Hibiscus and Strawberries

Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, giving this sangria a bright boost beyond flavor. Some studies suggest hibiscus tea may support healthy blood pressure when enjoyed regularly, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

If you are interested in hibiscus tea for women’s health, see our detailed article on Hibiscus Tea for Menstrual Cramps.

Strawberries add natural sweetness along with fiber, vitamin C, and plant compounds that support overall wellness, as reported by USDA FoodData Central. When you combine them, you get a light, colorful drink that feels indulgent without being loaded with sugar like many cocktails.

Ingredients You Need

• Dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea bags: for that deep ruby color and tart flavor
• Fresh strawberries: sliced for sweetness and visual appeal
• Citrus slices: orange or lemon for brightness
• Sparkling water or soda: adds fizz and keeps it refreshing
• Optional sweeteners: honey, sugar, agave, or simple syrup to balance tartness
• Optional alcohol: white wine, rosé, or Prosecco for a classic sangria twist
• Fresh mint leaves: optional garnish that pairs beautifully with hibiscus and strawberry

Tip: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries work well and help keep the drink cold.

Equipment

• Medium pot or kettle: for brewing the hibiscus tea
• Fine mesh strainer: to remove petals or tea bags after steeping
• Large pitcher: roomy enough to hold tea, fruit, and optional wine
• Long spoon: for stirring fruit and liquid evenly
• Measuring cups and spoons: to keep ratios balanced
• Ice tray: because this drink shines when served icy cold

How to Make Hibiscus Iced Tea Strawberry Sangria

Step 1: Brew the hibiscus tea

Boil water and add dried hibiscus flowers or tea bags. Steep 30–60 minutes, or cold brew overnight for a smoother taste. Strain and let cool.

For general brewing tips and hibiscus tea recipes, see Hibiscus Tea Guide.

Step 2: Prepare the fruit

Wash and slice strawberries and citrus into even pieces. For extra juice and flavor, lightly mash a few strawberry slices before adding them to the pitcher.

Step 3: Mix tea with fruit and chill

In a large pitcher, combine the cooled hibiscus tea, strawberries, and citrus. Stir in sweetener if using, and add wine or rosé for the alcoholic version. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Serve with ice and garnish

Fill glasses with ice, pour in the chilled sangria, and top with sparkling water or Prosecco for fizz. Garnish with mint or citrus wedges for a vibrant finish.

Flavor and Wine Guide

The base of hibiscus tea is tart and floral, so the right wine can make a big difference. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc keeps the drink light and citrusy. An off-dry rosé adds a soft berry note that pairs beautifully with strawberries. If you prefer something bolder, a light red wine such as Pinot Noir gives more depth without overpowering the hibiscus. For a lower alcohol version, skip the wine and finish with sparkling water or Prosecco for lively bubbles.

Recipe Variations

• Zero-proof hibiscus strawberry sangria: Skip the alcohol and keep the fizz with sparkling water or soda. Great for family gatherings or daytime sipping.
• Classic sangria style: Add white wine or rosé along with a splash of orange liqueur for a traditional touch.
• Sparkling hibiscus sangria: Top each glass with Prosecco or club soda for an extra festive feel.
• Spiced version for cooler weather: Steep a cinnamon stick and a few cloves with the hibiscus for a warming twist.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

• Balance tart and sweet: Hibiscus is naturally tangy. Taste before serving and adjust with honey, sugar, or agave.
• Avoid bitterness: Don’t steep hibiscus too long in hot water. Thirty minutes is plenty unless you’re cold brewing.
• Make ahead smart: Brew the tea and slice the fruit the night before, but wait to add bubbles until just before serving.
• Fix a too-tart batch: Stir in more sweetener or a splash of orange juice.
• Keep bubbles lively: Always top with sparkling water or Prosecco right before pouring.

Serving Ideas

• Food pairings: This sangria shines with light summer meals like fresh salads, grilled fish, or Spanish-style tapas.
• Pitcher vs. glass: For parties, serve in a big pitcher so guests can help themselves. For a smaller gathering, build single glasses with ice, fruit, and bubbles for a polished look.
• Garnish options: Mint leaves, citrus wedges, or extra strawberry slices add a pop of color and aroma.

Storage and Make Ahead

• Fridge life: The sangria base (without bubbles) stays fresh for up to 3 days when covered and chilled.
• With bubbles: Once sparkling water or Prosecco is added, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours while it’s still fizzy.
• Freezing tips: You can freeze the hibiscus tea base and sliced fruit separately, then thaw and mix before serving. Avoid freezing the finished sangria with bubbles.

Nutrition and Dietary Notes

• Calories: About 90 per serving without alcohol, 160 to 200 with wine and liqueur
• Carbohydrates: Mostly from fruit and optional sweetener
• Sugar: Adjustable based on whether you use honey, syrup, or keep it unsweetened
• Alcohol content: Zero for the non-alcoholic version, 6–12% if wine or brandy is added
• Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten free and vegan when sweetened with sugar or agave instead of honey

This makes it a lighter option compared to most cocktails, especially if you keep the sweetener low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Conclusion

Hibiscus iced tea strawberry sangria is bright, fruity, and flexible. Alcohol-free or sparkling, it balances tart hibiscus with sweet strawberries for a refreshing sip.

For more hibiscus tea recipes and benefits, see our Hibiscus Tea Complete Guide.
Learn more about hibiscus tea for health support in Hibiscus Tea for Menstrual Cramps.

FAQs About Hibiscus Strawberry Sangria