Hibiscus, coconut, and ginger combine for a uniquely creamy, lightly fruity, and floral herbal tea latte you can make in five minutes at home! Originally published September 2022. Last updated February 2023.
I am not a coffee drinker but I love to start the day with a good cozy sip so tea lattes are the move most mornings. Today, I'm sharing a homemade hibiscus latte recipe that is simple, delicious, and, in the words of anybody who's listened to Queen Bey's most recent album, UNIQUE! Let's get into the details.
If you like homemade lattes without coffee, you'll love my Apple Butter Chai. Check out this Matcha Latte with Pistachio and Haldi Doodh (aka golden milk)!
Table of Contents
Where does hibiscus tea come from?
Hibiscus, also known as zobo, is an important part of many diaspora foodways because it originated in parts of Africa and Asia, including my father's homeland of what is now Nigeria. I typically enjoy it in a cold floral lemonade in the summer months and a warm zobo tea when it's cooler. Today's zobo latte can be enjoyed iced or as a kind of hot hibiscus refresher any time of year.
What does it taste like?
Hibiscus is earthy, floral, and a bit fruity. So you might not automatically think that a creamy hibiscus tea latte would work but it absolutely does. This drink is slightly nutty, smooth, and creamy with deep floral notes from the hibiscus and a subtle warmth and spiciness from the ginger.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
Figuring out what flavors go well with hibiscus is as simple as looking at where it grows. Tropical notes are a safe bet. Here's what to add to your grocery list.
- Coconut Milk provides the liquid base for this creamy latte. Use carton coconut milk as full-fat coconut milk will be too thick even when heated.
- Dried Hibiscus - I use dried zobo petals but you can also use Hibiscus Tea Bags
- Ginger provides a warming kick
- Honey is my sweetener of choice but check the substitution notes just below if you want to change things up!
Can I make any substitutions? Absolutely. Make this tea latte vegan by swapping the honey for maple syrup or your favorite sweetener. You can also use dried or powdered ginger, if you don't have access to fresh. Use ¼ the amount to convert from fresh to dried ginger.
Tips & Tools
As far as tools for making my coconut hibiscus latte, the list is short, too. Grab a small saucepan and mixing spoon. I recommend a slotted spoon so that you can easily strain out the solid ingredients. Lastly, a frothing wand will give you those fancy coffeehouse vibes with nice foam on top of your pretty in pink latte at home.
Can I make this drink ahead of time? Yes, just allow it to come to room temperature then store refrigerated until ready to drink up to three days. Separation will likely occur so be sure to give it a good shake before enjoying and gently reheat it to loosen the texture if using full fat coconut milk.
What are the benefits of drinking hibiscus tea?
Can I drink hibiscus tea if I have PCOS? Hibiscus flower tea is also known as a tea that helps balance hormones and supports fertility. As a woman managing PCOS symptoms and root cause, I love that little fun fact. Even better, other benefits of zobo include:
- Aids in digestion
- Anti-inflammatory and protects liver function
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Relives menstrual cramps
This particular combination is also comforting enough to help lull you into a restful night's sleep. Part PCOS friendly tea and part hibiscus moon milk. Magic.
How to Serve
I like to pour this pretty purple latte into a clear glass mug for full view of the gorgeous color. Sprinkle some crushed hibiscus petals over top for an aesthetic finishing touch.
More Hibiscus Recipes
I hope you'll add a homemade tea latte to your morning routine. Let me know how you like this recipe in the comments. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this pink moon milk recipe and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Homemade Honey Hibiscus Latte Recipe
Hibiscus Coconut Tea Latte
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried hibiscus or two hibiscus tea bags
- ½ inch knob of ginger
- 1 ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or to taste
Instructions
- Add hibiscus or teabags, ginger, coconut milk, and honey to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring mixture to a low boil, stirring to dissolve honey and incorporate flavors (about three minutes).
- Turn off heat and strain out tea and ginger pieces. Then carefully swirl a frothing wand through the mixture to create as much foam as desired.
- Pour latte into mug and enjoy carefully.
Camille says
I absolutely love sorrel and never thought to combine it with coconut milk for that creamy goodness...it was bomb and so cozy. Thanks, girl... def making this again this week! 🫶🏾
Britney says
The flavors of the coconut pair so well with the hibiscus. This was such a refreshing latte to enjoy, and fun to make too!
Jessica says
I've been looking for a new warm drink as part of my evening wind down routine and this one really hit the spot. I bought a whole bulk bag of hibiscus so I can make it all the time.
Lilly says
I was so happy when I found this recipe! It's been such a relief. I enjoy this every day when it is my time of the month and it helps ease my cramps. Thanks so much for the recipe
Marta says
So many things about this drink gave me warm fuzzies. I'm a coconut nut and hibiscus has to be one of my favorite teas in the whole wide world. Putting them together in this latte was genius!