Mixed Berry Hibiscus Refresher, with Collagen — the Perfect Summer Drink

Summer drinks are in full swing, and this homemade Mixed Berry Hibiscus Refresher will delight your taste buds and cool you down all at the same time. Moreover, it'll give you a collagen boost!

The key flavors in this refresher drink are hibiscus tea, green tea and frozen berries, all of which are very good for you. 

Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage around the world, served hot or cold and flavored in a variety of ways. The most well-known benefit of hibiscus tea is its ability to support healthy blood pressure levels, which has been noted in several scientific studies.

Green tea consists of leaves that haven’t been fermented so they contain the highest level of antioxidants. In Okinawa, Japan — one of the world’s “Blue Zones” that’s associated with longevity — drinking green tea daily is common.

Frozen berries are one of the lowest sugar fruits and are also loaded with antioxidants. 

The Collagen Peptides are made with clinically studied ingredients to deliver results for your skin, nails, hair, joints and gut … quickly. It's also made to mix very easily so it won't clump or just sit at the bottom of this delicious mixed berry hibiscus refresher.  

How to Make a Berry Hibiscus Refresher

First, you need to make a simple syrup. Here we use monk fruit and water. Why monk fruit? Well, it contains compounds that, when extracted, are an estimated 200–300 times sweeter than regular cane sugar but with no calories and no effect on blood sugar. And as implied, a little goes a long way in terms of sweet flavor.

In a medium saucepan, place water and sweetener over high heat and bring to a boil. Return to a simmer and mix until the sweetener has dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to come to room temperature. 

Next, bring two cups of water to a boil and brew the hibiscus and green tea. Allow them to steep for at least five minutes. Allow to cool.

In a pitcher, add cooled teas, simple syrup and Collagen Peptides. Stir until well combined. 

Fill two glasses with frozen berries and top with ice. Pour the mixture into two glasses and top with additional berries.

If you want to make larger batches, this drink can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–5 days. The simple syrup can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks. 

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.