Red Zinger

I didn’t just drink this, but wanted to log it as I was thinking about my first hot tea experiences. My parents had a box of this in the cupboard (as well as another box of Celestial Seasonings that I can’t recall other than it was yellow) most of my growing up years. They weren’t big tea drinkers—other than iced sweet tea—so when I did want hot tea, I always returned to this box. If I recall, though, I didn’t particularly love it as much as I loved having a hot beverage. Good thing they picked up some good black loose leaf tea for me when visiting Oxford, opening up a door into the larger tea world. :)

This is another one of my favorite herbal teas. I believe this was the first cup of herbal tea I ever had. I remember my aunt brewing it and it just tasted perfect. A warm mix of tart, sweet and herbal flavors. I always think fresh raspberries when I drink this tea. I don’t drink this every day, but when I want to be reminded of good memories or am feeling under the weather, its just perfect.

After much trial and error with teas containing hibiscus, I finally tried one that is not only tolerable but manages to actually taste good! Yesterday I made a pitcher of iced Red Zinger and ended up finishing the whole thing- I was well hydrated, to say the least! I didn’t add any sugar- it’s just sweet enough on it’s own for me but the directions say you can add it after steeping and before you add the cold water. I made another pitcher of it to have with dinner tonight and even the kids like it, which is nice. This would be awesome to have in a container at the beach in the cooler. If you don’t like it hot, try it iced and you may be pleasantly surprised!

I absolutely love this infusion!

The taste is sweet and tart, an excellent taste for a blend with hibiscus. for a bagged tea it is beyond perfect.

I recommend this tea to any who would have it. :)

Sweet and tangy!

Strong and fruity; better iced than hot.

I love to brew this with loose black teas or earl grey!

I like Red Zinger. I don’t hate hibiscus, and it does have a “zing.” I like it sweetened to bring out the fruity flavor. Weird/astringent if steeped too long (or if you leave the teabag in the cup….)

This is one of the most clever cups I’ve found. They could call it “Double Hibiscus” as there are two sources. This cup makes me feel aware and thoughtful. The flavor is a pleasure. I rarely ever put honey in tea but a few drops makes this a happiness-inducer. This cup does contain licorice, which wasn’t necessary, but you don’t really taste it.
Hibiscus, rosehips, peppermint, West Indian lemongrass, orange peel, natural flavors, lemon myrtle, licorice and wild cherry bark.

One of the first herbal teas I ever drank. Still one of the better ones too. Crisp, lively flavor.

Tart mint. That really sums up all I got out of this one. One of my favorite aspects of teas/herbals is their complexity, and this one doesn’t have any.

About ten years ago, this was my favourite herbal tea. Then, a lot of time passed which seperated me from Red Zinger. Finally, a couple of years ago, I eagerly got hold of a box. Boy, was I disappointed. What did I ever see in it? Either my taste buds have changed or this tea has changed since 1999. It does taste slightly better with honey or brown sugar than with white sugar.

Too Bitter. Nothing about it is even tea-like…maybe it’s drastically different iced…I hope so…NOT good warm/hot.