Easy Hibiscus Lemonade Recipe (Sugar Free, Low Carb)

This refreshing Hibiscus Lemonade is a delicious, low-glycemic drink that will keep you cool all summer long! Since we’re skipping the sugar and opting for a low-glycemic sweetener, this hibiscus lemonade is both keto and diabetic-friendly, but you'd never even know. It's a lovely and vibrant drink that’s blooming with floral sweetness and the tart flavor of freshly-squeezed lemon.

Nothing beats ice-cold lemonade on a warm day, right? It's cool and refreshing and the perfect way to enjoy a combination of sweet and tart flavors.

I often make fresh lemonade with my keto simple syrup, and it's such an easy way to prepare a sugar-free lemonade! 

But my latest go-to beverage is this hibiscus lemonade, a refreshing balance of tart citrus and sweetness without the sugar overload. (If you’re a fan of citrus drinks, you’ll also love my Homemade Limeade Recipe!)

Unlike regular lemonade, this version gets its deep ruby hue and hint of berry-like flavor from steeped hibiscus tea, while fresh lemon juice keeps it bright and tangy. It's light, vibrant, and actually good for you. 

why this recipe works

So why use hibiscus? According to the National Library of Medicine, Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which not only gives your immune system a boost but also has natural anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to help regulate blood sugar. 

Add it to a sugar-free lemonade, and you’ve got yourself a tasty, refreshing drink that’s also low on the glycemic index!

For this hibiscus lemonade, I use my all-time favorite sugar-free sweetener, monkfruit sweetener with allulose, but plain allulose works just as well too. Allulose is a great keto-friendly sweetener to use for drinks because dissolves effortlessly, just like regular cane sugar. 

Other than a simple swap of regular sugar for an allulose-based sweetener, everything else is super basic. I use hibiscus tea bags, lemon juice, and water. That’s it! 

My hibiscus lemonade is:

• A refreshing low-carb, low-glycemic summer drink
• The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
• A great alternative to sugar-laden lemonades
• Made with simple, natural ingredients.

the ingredients

This simple recipe calls for just four ingredients! Here's a look at what you'll need: 

• Water. You'll need about 4½ cups of cold water to make your hibiscus lemonade.
• Monkfruit sweetener with allulose. The ultimate alternative sweetener for anything from drinks to desserts!
• Hibiscus tea bags. I kept it simple and used pre-made hibiscus tea bags for convenience, but you can also use dried hibiscus flowers.
• Lemon juice. You'll need about 6-7 lemons. If you want to serve it with thin lemon slices, add another lemon to your list. 

sweetener alternatives

For single-serve drink (or sauce or salad dressing), liquid sweeteners like pure monk fruit, stevia, or liquid allulose are ideal low-glycemic sweeteners because they allow you to easily sweeten your beverage to taste.

However, for large-batch recipes like this one, granulated monkfruit sweetener with allulose is your best option because it dissolves like regular sugar.  

Any sweetener blend containing erythritol may recrystallize when chilled, so I don’t recommend using a low-carb sweetener that contains erythritol or you might be left with a gritty drink.

If you prefer a different sweetener, plain granulated allulose is also great, just increase the amount to 1-⅓ cups since it's not as sweet. 

how to make hibiscus lemonade

This hibiscus lemonade is really as easy as any lemonade recipe, but with a twist of flavor and color. Here's how to make it:

1. In a saucepan, bring your 4-½ cups water to a boil, then stir in the monkfruit/allulose sweetener. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the sweetener dissolve. 
2. Next, remove from the heat and add the hibiscus tea bags to the hot water. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the tea steep for at least 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags, then let the tea cool completely. 
3. Once the tea is cool, pour it into a large pitcher. Stir in the lemon juice. 
4. Transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour before serving. 

tips for the best results

• Be sure to remove the tea bags after 10 minutes. Leaving them in too long can result in an overly strong hibiscus tea.
• Step up your presentation by adding fresh hibiscus petals or slices of lemon to the pitcher for a pretty touch. You can even add fresh fruit or berries. 

storage

Store the hibiscus lemonade in a large pitcher in the fridge for up to 10 days. Stir before serving. 

serving suggestions

When I hear hibiscus lemonade, I think of fancy tea parties with yummy, small bites (even though this technically goes with anything).

My Rosemary Parmesan Bread  and Tahini Bread are the perfect savory snacks to serve alongside this refreshing drink. 

It also shines alongside tasty dips like my Avocado Mango Salsa or this Bruschetta Dip with Whipped Ricotta.

And for something sweet, these Keto Lemon Blueberry Scones or my Easy Peach Mug Cake—both are delicious and fun treats to enjoy with your lemonade.

you might also love

• This olive oil and lemon juice drink may sound unusual, but it’s full of health benefits! Surprisingly, it’s not sour or bitter. With ginger, honey, and a dash of cinnamon, this remedy is creamy and tasty.
• Sweet, creamy, and frothy, this strawberry matcha latte combines fresh strawberries with almond or coconut milk. Rich matcha is layered with blended strawberry puree, heavy cream, and ice to recreate the famous Starbucks drink at home! It's sweetened with a low-glycemic sweetener for a spin on a delicious matcha latte with much less sugar. 
• Made with only three simple ingredients, this watermelon slushie recipe is perfect for hot summer days. It's sugar-free and low-carb and a fun way to make a healthy fruit slushie.