`Step 1: Boiling the Water
Take a large clean pot and pour all six cups of fresh filtered water into it. Place the pot on your stove top burner and turn the heat up to high so the water can reach a rapid boil. Watch the water closely until you see big bubbles breaking the surface continuously. This high temperature is very important because it will extract all the deep colors and rich flavors from your ingredients later.
Step 2: Adding the Hibiscus and Tea Bags
Once your water is boiling beautifully turn off the stove burner completely and move the pot to a cool spot. Carefully drop your four tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers directly into the hot water. Immediately add your two bags of herbal berry tea into the liquid right next to the flowers. Use a long spoon to push the flowers and tea bags down under the surface so they are completely soaked.
Step 3: The Steeping Process
Cover the pot with its lid to trap all the wonderful steam and aroma inside the container. Let the mixture sit undisturbed on your counter for fifteen full minutes so the water can absorb the nutrients. You will notice the water turning a gorgeous dark crimson red color that looks like precious rubies. This long waiting time ensures that the tartness of the hibiscus balances well with the berry notes.
Step 4: Straining the Liquid
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large glass pitcher that can handle warm liquids safely. Slowly pour the hot tea mixture through the strainer to separate the liquid from the used flowers and tea bags. Press down gently on the wet hibiscus flowers with your spoon to squeeze out every single drop of flavor. You can throw away the leftover flowers and tea bags in your compost bin now.
Step 5: Sweetening Your Tea
While the strained liquid is still warm add your three tablespoons of granulated erythritol sweetener into the pitcher. Stir the liquid vigorously with your long spoon for one full minute until you see no more crystals at the bottom. Adding the sweetener while the tea is warm is crucial because it helps the erythritol dissolve completely into the liquid.
Step 6: Cooling Down
Leave the glass pitcher on your kitchen counter until it reaches room temperature naturally. Once it is no longer hot place the pitcher inside your refrigerator for at least two hours to chill it thoroughly. Drinking this tea when it is ice cold is the secret to experiencing its true refreshing nature.
Step 7: Serving and Garnishing
Take your favorite tall drinking glasses and fill them all the way to the top with fresh ice cubes. Pour your chilled red tea over the ice until the glasses are almost full to the brim. Drop two fresh lemon slices and a few mint leaves into each glass to add a gorgeous look and a pop of extra flavor. Serve immediately to your eager family members or enjoy it all by yourself.
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