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!