Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail

INTRODUCTION

Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail is a bright, floral drink that feels fancy and is easy to make. It mixes tart hibiscus tea and gentle lavender for a sparkling, low calorie treat. This drink is a healthy version of many sweet cocktails. It is naturally gluten free and diabetic-friendly when you skip or cut back on sweetener. If you love hibiscus drinks with a holiday twist, you may also enjoy the darker flavors in this Haunted Hibiscus Punch Mocktail, which uses similar floral notes for a party-ready drink.

This mocktail works as a lighter option for parties and everyday sipping. It gives flavor without heavy sugar or alcohol. You can make a big batch and chill it for quick drinks any time.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is simple, fast, and kind to your body. The drink is low calorie and can be made diabetic-friendly by using a zero-calorie sweetener or no sweetener at all. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and may support heart healthy habits when you pair the drink with a balanced diet. Lavender adds calm aroma and a gentle floral note that makes each sip feel special.

This mocktail is a great choice as a lighter option for warm days or a healthy party drink. It is also great for meal prep: brew and chill the tea in advance and then top with sparkling water when you serve. If you want more lavender ideas, try this simple twist from my Lavender Blueberry Mocktail for a fruity lavender mix.

HOW TO MAKE Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail

This drink comes together in minutes. The steps are easy and do not need any complex tools. You steep the hibiscus and lavender, cool the tea, and then mix with sparkling water over ice. The result is a fizzy, floral drink that tastes like a light floral soda.

For more lavender drink ideas and to learn about flavor pairings, see my list of the best lavender drinks recipes. That page can spark more ideas if you want to vary flavors or make syrups.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Kettle or pot for hot water
  • Tea strainer or fine mesh sieve
  • Measuring spoons and cup
  • Pitcher or large jar (for batch making)
  • Large spoon for stirring
  • Glasses for serving

Ingredients You’ll Need :

  • 1 hibiscus tea bag
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 tsp dried lavender (culinary)
  • 1 tsp sweetener (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • Ice cubes

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

  1. Heat about 1/2 cup of water until it is hot but not boiling.
  2. Place the hibiscus tea bag and 1/2 tsp dried lavender in the hot water.
  3. Steep for about 5 minutes. Taste after 4 minutes and steep a little longer if you want a stronger flavor.
  4. Remove the tea bag and strain out the lavender. Let the tea cool to room temperature.
  5. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  6. Pour the cooled hibiscus-lavender tea into the glass, about 1/2 cup or more for a stronger base.
  7. Top with 1/2 cup sparkling water. Stir gently to mix.
  8. Add 1 tsp sweetener if you like it sweeter, or leave it plain for a low-sugar, low calorie drink.
  9. Garnish with a small sprig of lavender or a thin lemon slice if you like.
  10. Serve right away and enjoy the floral tangy punch.

HOW TO SERVE Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail

Serve this mocktail in a small glass to keep portions light. A 6-8 ounce serving is a good size for a low calorie drink. If you want to control sugar and calories, skip the sweetener or use a low-calorie option. For a polished look, serve over clear ice and add a lemon wheel or edible flowers.

For parties, place the chilled tea in a pitcher and let guests add their own sparkling water and sweetener. This way each person can choose a lighter option or a sweeter mix. Pair the drink with a small plate or balanced snack to make it part of a good meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail

Store any leftover brewed hibiscus-lavender tea (before you add sparkling water) in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep it in a sealed jar or pitcher. Do not keep the mixed drink with sparkling water for long; the fizz will fade and the drink will taste flat after a day.

You can freeze the brewed tea in ice cube trays. Frozen tea cubes work well in place of plain ice. They will chill the drink without watering it down. For best results, thaw frozen tea cubes in the fridge and use within one month. If you add sweetener, the shelf life may be affected, so keep sweetened tea a bit shorter in the fridge.

This mocktail can be diabetic-friendly when you skip sugar. Always taste and adjust if you need a sugar-free sweetener. If you store sweetened batches, label the container and use soon.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve this mocktail with small, healthy bites to make a light snack or balanced mini meal. Good pairings include:

  • Greek yogurt with a few berries (a high protein meal addition)
  • A small bowl of mixed nuts and sliced cucumber
  • Whole grain crackers with hummus for fiber and flavor
  • A petite plate of grilled vegetables and a lean protein like turkey slices

Portion control tip: keep one glass size for drinks and a small plate for snacks to avoid overeating. The mocktail is low calorie by itself, so pairing it with a high protein snack helps you feel full longer and supports weight loss goals when you keep portions sensible.

VARIATIONS

This section gives ideas to change the mocktail to meet different needs.

  • Healthier version (low sugar): Make the mocktail with no sweetener or use a small amount of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. This keeps it diabetic-friendly and low calorie. Serve it over crushed ice for more volume without calories.

  • High-protein or low-carb version: For a high protein boost, serve the mocktail alongside a small shake or add a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides or clear whey isolate to a separate small cup. Note: protein powders may foam and change texture if mixed directly into sparkling water, so it is best to pair the drink with a high-protein snack or mini shake rather than mixing directly. Pair it with cottage cheese or a small high protein plate to make a balanced high protein meal.

  • Oven-baked version (lavender syrup): If you like deeper floral flavors, make an oven-roasted lavender syrup. Toss lavender buds and a little honey with a splash of water and bake at low heat for 10–15 minutes to draw out flavor, then strain and chill. Use a teaspoon of this syrup for a richer, oven-baked lavender note. For a fruity twist, try a berry-hibiscus mix inspired by the bright fruit used in the Bats Berry Blizzard Mocktail, and reduce added sugar to keep it low carb.

  • Sparkling citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lime or grapefruit for more tang. Citrus adds vitamin C and lifts the flavor with no added calories.

Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail

FAQs

Q: Is this mocktail low calorie?
A: Yes. Made with just hibiscus, lavender, water, and sparkling water, it is low calorie. Skip or limit sweetener to keep calories very low.

Q: Is Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail diabetic-friendly?
A: It can be. Choose no sugar or use a zero-calorie sweetener. The base ingredients do not raise blood sugar. Always check with your healthcare provider if you need strict carb counts.

Q: Can I freeze the mocktail?
A: Freeze the brewed tea in ice cube trays. Do not freeze mixed sparkling drinks because carbon dioxide will be lost and texture will change. Thaw tea cubes in the fridge when ready to use.

Q: Is hibiscus safe for everyone?
A: Hibiscus is safe for many people, but it can interact with some medicines and may lower blood pressure. Pregnant people should check with their doctor before regular use. If you have a health condition, ask a provider first.

Q: How long does the brewed tea keep in the fridge?
A: Brewed hibiscus-lavender tea keeps 3–4 days in a sealed container in the fridge. Add sparkling water and ice only when you serve for best fizz.

Q: Can kids drink this?
A: Yes. It is caffeine free and kid-friendly when made with little or no sweetener. Serve in a small cup and adjust sweetness to the child’s taste.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Hibiscus Lavender Mocktail

Make a batch of the hibiscus-lavender tea ahead to save time. Brew several tea bags with the lavender and cool the tea. Keep it chilled in a sealed pitcher for up to 4 days. When you want a fresh drink, fill a glass with ice, pour 1/2 cup of the chilled tea, and top with cold sparkling water. This method keeps the drink fizzy and fresh.

If you like to plan for parties, make the tea in larger batches and store in the fridge. Label each container with date and flavor if you make different versions. This drink is great for meal prep and quick serving because the base can sit ready to top with bubbles. For festive menus and more make-ahead mocktail ideas, see a list of themed mocktails that suit parties and prep work in this 15 Spooktacular Halloween Mocktails collection.

Make small bottles of the brewed tea for grab-and-go drinks. Use reusable bottles and fill them with chilled tea. When you want a sparkling drink, pour the tea into a glass and add sparkling water, or lightly shake in a sealed bottle with soda just before opening to mix.

Keep the make-ahead plan simple: brew, chill, and mix with sparkling water at the last minute. This saves time and keeps the drink fresh, fizzy, and a lighter option for your day or event.