Strawberry Hibiscus Cooler Recipe

Hear Ye Hear Ye! Tis time to share one of my favorite drink recipes from our Magical Teapot summer events.

Strawberry Hibiscus Cooler

The Magical Teapot at The Mass Ren Faire

Last weekend, Farrah and I attended the Massachusetts Renaissance Faire in Cummington, MA, to sell our tea and gluten-free cookies. It was a lot of fun; we survived a mini thunderstorm, scattered heat waves, humidity, and occasional showers. Through it all, the attendants did not flee. They were determined to be there and be seen regardless of the weather. It is one of my favorite things about Ren Faires. The people working think they are there to astound and delight, but the magical people who dress up and pay to attend are just as impressive and important to the event as the folks who put it together. I think that is why there is such an infectious joy amongst the people working. Everyone is there to create a fantasy for themselves and the people around them.

Anyway! While I was at the fair, brewing and selling my tea, I thought it might be nice to share the recipe. Because who wants to wait a whole year to experience it again? I created this particular beverage for hot summer days. What says summer more than the flavor of fresh strawberries? The hibiscus has a cooling energy but can be drying, so I balanced it with fresh violet leaves, which have a demulcent property. Violet leaf also has a cooling energy, but when you drink, it moistens the throat in a soothing way, whereas the hibiscus can leave your mouth feeling too dry. I also added Linden flowers because it has a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the flavor of strawberries.