If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a fun way to use your herbs, especially when the summer heat kicks in and everyone’s craving something cold. This herbal popsicle recipe was the best thing I made last summer, and it’ll for sure be on repeat this year too. Juicy watermelon, bright red hibiscus flowers, and a splash of lemon juice mixed together to make a tasty treat your whole family will love.
And we don’t mess around with tiny batches here. This one makes plenty, so feel free to cut it in half if you’re testing things out for the first time. But trust me, once you taste them, you’ll want extras in the freezer.
Wait, What’s a Cooling Herb?
When herbalists talk about an herb being “cooling,” we’re describing the energetic effect it has on the body. Just like some herbs warm you up (think cinnamon or ginger), others help bring your internal temperature down. Cooling herbs soothe irritation, calm inflammation, and relax tension, whether it’s physical heat from a sunburn or emotional heat like stress, restlessness, or agitation.
They’re especially helpful during the time of year when everything feels a little too hot and sticky, and we’re all a little too tired. Cooling herbs support the nervous system, the immune system, and even the digestive system when heat and stress throw things off balance…and they give you a little energy boost to boot!
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Let’s talk about why hibiscus is the tart, delicious powerhouse in these homemade herbal popsicles.
Herbal Properties of Hibiscus:
Cooling
Astringent
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Mildly diuretic
Estrogenic
High in Vitamin C
Health Benefits of Hibiscus for the Body:
Supports the immune system thanks to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content
Reduces inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints and skin
Cools the body by helping to lower internal heat and soothe irritated tissues
Aids in hydration by reducing water retention and flushing the system
Supports cardiovascular health by supporting a healthy blood pressure
Tones the digestive tract with its natural astringency, which tightens and soothes tissues
Soothes the nervous system by gently stabilizing overactive or overstimulated energy
Estrogenic property that supports healthy estrogen
Why Hibiscus is Cooling:
Hibiscus is classified as a cooling herb because it balances heat in the body and brings a sense of balance when things feel inflamed, agitated, or hot. You can feel it the second you drink a cup of strong hibiscus tea. There’s a refreshing, crisp bite that instantly makes you feel cooler from the inside out. It’s a great cold treat for sore throats, skin flare-ups, and hot flashes, and is a great way to cool off on those long, hot days that completely zap you of your energy.
Watermelon & Hibiscus Herbal Popsicles
Makes approximately 24–30 popsicles (depending on your popsicle molds)
Ingredients:
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers (you can use dried herbs or fresh herbs. If using fresh, use double the amount)
½ gallon warm water
About 1 gallon of seedless watermelon
Juice from 1 lemon
¼–½ cup raw honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Optional: A handful of fresh herbs like mint or lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Make a strong herbal infusion
Pour ½ gallon of warm water over ½ cup of hibiscus flowers ( and any other different herbs you want to add) and let it steep for about 15 minutes. You want a strong, vibrant batch of herbal tea with all the color and flavor pulled out of those petals. Strain out the herbs and let the tea cool completely…pop it in the fridge to speed it up.Prepare the watermelon
While the tea is chilling, grab your watermelon. Chop it up, take out any seeds, and blend the flesh until it’s smooth. You’re looking for about 1 gallon of blended watermelon. This gives your homemade popsicles that sweet, hydrating base.Mix it all together
Combine your cooled hibiscus tea, watermelon purée, lemon juice, and your sweetener of choice (local honey, maple syrup, or even coconut water for a lighter flavor). Stir well. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.Pour the mixture into molds
Use your favorite popsicle molds, add popsicle sticks, and freeze until solid. Depending on your mold size, this recipe makes around 24 to 30 herbal tea popsicles.
Watermelon Hibiscus Popsicles
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Hibiscus
- 1/2 gallon Water
- 1 gallon Watermelon pureed
- 1 lemon Squeezed juice
- 1/4 cup Honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Make a strong herbal infusion and chill it in the fridge
- Puree the watermelon
- Blend both together
- Pour the mixture into molds and place them in the freezer
Bonus Recipe: Spearmint Iced Tea with Popsicle Cubes
If you want to take the watermelon hibiscus recipe one step further, or you’re a mama who wants to cool off too, but you don’t want a popsicle…you NEED to try this…
First thing you need to do is make that first recipe, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze them. Then…
Ingredients:
¼ cup dried spearmint (or 1 big handful of fresh herbs)
1 quart hot water
1–2 Tbsp raw honey
A squeeze of lemon juice
Frozen herbal popsicle cubes
Yep, that simple. Make a spearmint tea, chill it, then pour it over your watermelon hibiscus popsicle cubes. It ends up tasting like a sweet mint, watermelon, slightly tart tea. The best part is, it turns into a slushy! And OMG, is it amazing. Bonus on top of this bonus…you can add a shot of rum or tequila for a whole new experience.
Enjoy!
If you loved these herbal recipes and learning how to make your own herbal popsicles without hitting the grocery stores for something loaded with high fructose corn syrup and a slew of questionable ingredients, check out The Herbal Collective. We’re diving even deeper into cooling herbs for the summer months with more recipes, guides, how-to videos, and more… bonus (we’re big on the bonuses around here), all Herbal Collective members get my recipe book for free! So, if you’re ready to go beyond the popsicle mold and into the heart of herbal remedies, I’d love to see you there.
