When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like pulling your chair closer to the kettle—and this spiced pomegranate-hibiscus tea turns that moment into something beautifully layered. In this recipe, tart hibiscus tea bags steep in a bath of pomegranate juice, peeled fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick, then sweetened with honey to taste. The deep purple hue reflects its rich antioxidant profile, while the ginger-cinnamon duo gives the drink instant warmth and aromatic comfort.
Because the ingredients are clean and simple—hibiscus tea, pomegranate juice, ginger, cinnamon and a splash of water—the recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily builds into vegetarian, vegan-friendly (if using a suitable sweetener) or paleo-inspired beverage routines.
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, hosting friends by the fire, or simply craving a warm mug that feels festive yet relaxed, this tea delivers. Fast to make (active time ~8 minutes), it’s a winter brew you’ll want to keep on rotation.
Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea
Recipe Details
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Active Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea Ingredients
- 4 bags hibiscus tea
- 1 (2- to 3-inch) piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 1/4 cups pomegranate juice
- Scant 1 cup water
- Honey, to taste
How to Make Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea
- Combine all the ingredients except the honey in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Slowly bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Let sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and discard solids.
- Sweeten to taste with honey and serve warm.
Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 6 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.
| Serving Size | 1 serving (1/6 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 115 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 0 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 29 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 26 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 0 g |
| Fat | ≈ 0 g |
Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea Variations & Tips
- Sweetener swap: Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
- Fruit boost: Add ½ cup of orange-juice plus orange zest for added citrus brightness and volume.
- Spice change: Replace the cinnamon stick with 1 star anise or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom for an aromatic twist.
- Chill option: After steeping and straining, cool the tea and serve over ice with fresh mint—perfect for a cold-weather-meets-summer drink.
- Make-ahead for guests: Keep the brewed tea warm in a covered teapot, and let guests add honey individually for custom sweetness.
Best Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea Pairings
- Almond-flour shortbread cookies: The light crunch and subtle sweetness make a nice companion to the tart-spiced tea.
- Warm figs or baked apples with cinnamon: Echo the spice theme and add fruit richness to the moment.
- Dark chocolate square (70%+ cocoa): The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the fruity-spiced tea.
- Cheese board with mild cheese and dried cranberries: The richness of cheese and cranberries pairs with the pomegranate and hibiscus notes in the drink.
- Spiced walnut snack mix: Roast walnuts with cinnamon, a touch of maple and sea salt to match the warm spices of the tea.
When to Make Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tea
- Cozy winter evenings: Curl up with a mug of this tea while reading or relaxing in front of the fire.
- Post-holiday wind-down: After festive meals and busy days, this warm drink helps reset the palette and the mind.
- Holiday brunch or gathering: Serve the tea in mugs with honey on the side so guests can sweeten to taste.
- Wellness-oriented refreshments: Offer this tea at a spa day, yoga brunch or clean-eating meetup—it feels elevated yet accessible.
- Giftable warm drink setup: Package tea bags, a cinnamon stick and a jar of honey in a festive box for a thoughtful winter gift.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont