Cranberry Spice Hibiscus (Hibiscus Cranberry)

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The last tea from my fall sampler tin. It’s fine, very similar to all of the other mulled hibiscus tisanes I’ve had in the past. Quite tart with subtle spicing from clove and cinnamon.

I tend to prefer hibiscus-forward blends cold steeped, but I find spiced blends weird that way so I would never order this type of tea.

I got this as part of a 3-tin stack of seasonal blends including Hot Apple Cider and Pumpkin Spice. In the stack, this one is called Hibiscus Cranberry, but it’s the same tea as Cranberry Spice Hibiscus. Idk what’s up with that.

The dry bag smells like hibiscus and cranberry with spices. Aroma is strong cranberry spice, like Yankee Candle levels. One small cup permeates my entire living room. I do not object. The taste is exactly as advertised in the name – cranberry and hibiscus foremost with a light spice flavor underneath. I can’t pick out individual spices. The dark berry red tea is drying and very tart. I like hibiscus but this one is so tart it gives me reflux which I rarely get. Very glad there are only 12 bags per tin because this one is kind of brutal. Definitely won’t be looking for Hibiscus Cranberry next season.

I like this tea, and am sorry to have come to the end of this tin. I did indeed find it a “merry and bright herb tea”, as per The Republic of Tea’s label. First of all, I am a hibiscus tea lover, so those of you who are not, can leave now. (You’re out there in vocal droves. This doesn’t concern you, haters—this review is for those of us who love it.)
This tea has a nice depth to its flavor. The natural bitterness of cranberries has been nicely alleviated by the sweetness in the hibiscus and spices. I made this cup without sugar or honey, so I could taste it honestly by itself. It’s got a nice, clean flavor, very strong and direct, yet mellow.
I like to blend a bag or two of this with other herbal teas, particularly those with orange and/or spices. It is perfect for the holiday season in both taste and its nice bright red color.

This tastes like Christmas in a cup. Cranberry, cinnamon, and something floral. It’s maybe a bit artificial tasting and reminds me of potpourri or a candle, but not in a bad way. I like that it actually tastes like cranberry more than Hibiscus unlike several cranberry teas I’ve had before. I’d buy this again, especially around Christmas time.

Not bad for a red tea. Usually I find the hibiscus flavor overpowering, but the addition of cranberry and spices makes this a pretty nice decaf cup. I would buy this again in small quantities.