Description
This Hibiscus Chia Fresca is a super summery, refreshing, and all-natural energy drink! Dried hibiscus flowers are steeped with honey to create a vibrant tea, then combined with chia seeds for a fun texture. Delicious served with lime!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons honey (or agave nectar for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers (culinary grade)
- 5 tablespoons chia seeds
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Make Hibiscus Honey Tea: Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Steep Flowers: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the honey and dried hibiscus flowers. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Cool Tea: Let the hibiscus flowers steep in the hot water until the mixture has cooled completely to room temperature (at least 30-60 minutes).
- Strain Tea: Once cooled, strain the hibiscus tea mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or large jar. Discard the used hibiscus flowers.
- Add Chia Seeds: Add the chia seeds to the cooled hibiscus tea. Stir or whisk well to combine and to prevent the chia seeds from clumping.
- Initial Chia Hydration: Let the mixture sit on the counter for 30 minutes, shaking or stirring vigorously every 5-10 minutes. This helps the chia seeds to hydrate evenly and prevents them from settling into a large clump at the bottom.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher or jar and refrigerate until cold (at least 1-2 hours, or longer). Optional: Continue to shake or stir the mixture occasionally during refrigeration if you notice the chia seeds settling, though it’s less critical after the initial 30 minutes of stirring.
- Serve: Serve the Hibiscus Chia Fresca chilled, over ice if desired, with fresh lime wedges for squeezing. Stir before serving as chia seeds may settle.
Notes
- Hibiscus Flowers: Ensure you are using culinary grade dried hibiscus flowers. They provide a beautiful ruby color and tart, floral flavor.
- Sweetener: Honey is used here. Agave nectar or maple syrup can be substituted. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a gel-like texture, thickening the drink. Stirring during the initial hydration period is key to preventing clumps.
- Chilling: This drink is best served very cold.
- Storage: Store Hibiscus Chia Fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chia seeds will continue to absorb liquid, so it may thicken further over time; stir well before serving.