This Strawberry Hibiscus Iced Tea is the stuff spring dreams are made of – light, airy and absolutely refreshing when served chilled. Sponsored by Torani. #AToraniBrunch #ToraniFlavor #ad
I always chuckle to myself whenever I hear or see something made with Hibiscus. Growing up, we had not one but at least three hibiscus plants in our backyard and it bloomed all through the year in the tropical climate. But we didn’t do much with the flowers, just left them on the plant to be pretty. As kids, we played with them – you see, when you crush the fresh flowers in a little water, it suds up like soap and turns slime-like. We’d use the suds to blow non-toxic bubbles or just smear it on other kids who found gooey things disgusting. That sorta stuff. If you played this game, comment below! Please!
But we never cooked with it, and now looking back, I realize what a waste that was! Because let me confess, it is d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s! But we’re getting ahead of the story here.
This post has been sponsored by Torani, but all opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting brands that support Love is in my tummy.
Every time I see something edible made with hibiscus, I keep having mental images of the unappetizing slimy goop from my childhood. Not that I don’t like trying new things, but food, like music or art, works based on sensory associations. Sight, smells and tastes can trigger memories. And I always associated the word ‘hibiscus’ with the goop.
You know that I adore Torani syrups, and I’ve been using them a lot in my kitchen, especially since December ( Fried Gingerbread Cookies | Chestnut + Praline Cake Pops | Christmas Fruit Cake ). They’re made with real, simple ingredients (translate: true, pure flavors!) that are so easy to use. So when they invited me to create something using their spring/summer line of extensive syrups (and I mean extensive!), my eyes were inevitably drawn to the Torani Hibiscus Syrup. It was time to put away this childish prejudice.
At first I was just adding a splash and a dash, creating this iced tea blindly from imagination, based on my idea of what a flower must taste like; muddling here, swirling there, but as each ingredient went into the pitcher, the taste progressed gracefully, till that final sip tasted like the distilled essence of Spring itself. Light, airy (how? what?) and flowery is how I’d describe the taste.
This here was a sit-down kinda moment, and as I removed myself to the comfort of the couch with a tall glass of this delicious Strawberry Hibiscus Iced Tea, I could not help but realize that any associations I had with childish goop were now gone. When I thought hibiscus, all I could now think of was the feeling of seeing the first blooms of spring when all the trees burst into flower unanimously, as if on cue. And sip after sip, the image of an endless row of blooming trees remained etched in my mind as the iced tea slid down my throat.
Now, I want to make sure you get a taste too – here’s an exclusive offer for you, my dearest readers: Head over to www.Torani.com and use coupon code TUMMY15 at checkout and get 15 % OFF all orders + FREE SHIPPING (upto $300). Offer valid till June 30th, 2018 and cannot be combined with any other offers. Note: Everyone else gets free shipping on a minimum purchase of $59 but you guys get free shipping on all orders upto $300! What an amazing time to try new things?!?!
Go get your taste of spring – grab Torani syrups (don’t miss the Hibiscus syrup) and get a head start on Spring entertaining! Let their delicious syrups inspire you!
When you make this delicious Strawberry Hibiscus Iced Tea (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here!
Kim mabry says
I registered but, didn’t get a reply nor did I receive my coupon. Is there anyway I could receive a code for the 10% off of a purchase?? Also I would love to be able to view the ebook recipes. I absolutely love your proďucts 100% satisfaction here.
Tina Dawson says
Hi Kim! There’s absolutely no need to register to avail the coupon: The coupon code is ‘TUMMY15’. Enter this code when you check out Torani products from their website and you’ll get 15% off and FREE Shipping upto $300!. And to get the ebook, you’ll have to sign up to my email newsletter. I send one monthly email with posts, updates and a message. You’ll get the ebook as soon as you signup! Subscribe here -> http://loveisinmytummy.com/subscribe
Denise Wright says
That is so funny about you blowing bubbles with hibiscus flower water! My friend was just telling me about a drink that had hibiscus, coconut cream and coffee liqueur. I’ll have to tell her about this hibiscus syrup!
Tina Dawson says
Oh you girls need to have this Hibiscus syrup in your lives!!!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
What a pretty looking iced tea. I cannot wait for the warmer weather. We drink a lot of iced tea during the summer months. This looks like a great recipe to add to may collection.
Tina Dawson says
Please do and let me know how you like it. Stock up on Torani syrups with the offer now and enjoy all through summer!
Elizabeth says
I had NO IDEA you could do that with hibiscus flowers – how cool/gross! This iced tea sounds absolutely delicious and refreshing–perfect for the warm months ahead!
Tina Dawson says
Right?!?!?! But as kids it was pretty fun!!! I hope you enjoy the tea!
Traci says
I’m in love with your tall jars…and Really love the idea of using hibiscus syrup in a chilled beverage. Simply cannot wait to try this out this summer! It’s for the great recipe…pinning now!
Tina Dawson says
Ok the jars are recycled coconut water bottles! If you find them in the supermarket, grab them! They turn into adorable serving glasses!
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
This is just beautiful!!! (I also love your straws!!!)
I wonder if I can find hibiscus syrup here in Australia?!?!
I know what you mean about having something in the garden and not appreciating it for its culinary attributes!
We have a fig tree and with its really twisty solid branches is was just a fabulous tree to climb, the fruit would ripped and most would end up on the floor for the animals….the weird interior just wasn’t appetising to children….now….free figs in the garden. I love our tree!!!!!
Tina Dawson says
Oh I am so envious of your fig tree now, although I would have completely ignored it as a child too! If you can manage to get hibiscus, please, PLEASE try this!
Catherine Mendez says
Claire,
Torani has a distributor in Australia that you can reach out to – they might be able to guide you as to where you can find a retailer that carries the Hibiscus Syrup: Australian Beverage Corporation 1300 656 842 diane@ausbeverage.com.au
Molly Kumar says
Wow, That’s one Flavorful & Gorgeous #Icedtea !!! I’m so ready for spring/summers and this tea would be my perfect getaway to all things Happy 🙂 I love Torani Flavors and Going to use that 15% asap. Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe.
Tina Dawson says
I’m so glad, Molly!!! Enjoy the coupon! It’s super awesome!