After turning 40, I noticed my afternoon cravings were less about hunger and more about energy. I used to reach for coffee or something sweet… but it always left me more tired (and cranky) by dinner.

One day, I started playing with citrus water and herbal teas — just to feel something besides the 3 PM slump. This little combo? A total surprise. It was like sunshine in a glass.

Now it’s part of my mid-afternoon “bloom moment” — no caffeine crash, no sugar rush. Just hydration, a little joy, and a refreshing reset.

Ingredients

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1/2 lemon, sliced

• 1/4 cup cucumber slices

• 1 hibiscus tea bag (or 1 tsp loose hibiscus)

• 1-2 sprigs of fresh mint

• 2 cups cold filtered water

• 1/2 cup ice

• Optional: a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit, to taste

Instructions

1. Brew the hibiscus
   Steep your tea bag or loose hibiscus in 1/2 cup of hot water for 5–7 minutes. Let cool slightly.

2. Layer the flavors
   In a large mason jar or pitcher, add orange, lemon, cucumber, and mint. Lightly muddle with a spoon to release the oils and juices.

3. Pour it all together
   Add ice, the brewed hibiscus, and cold water. Stir well.

4. Sweeten if desired
   Add a few drops of stevia or monk fruit if you like it a touch sweeter.

5. Serve chilled
   Pour into glasses and enjoy right away — or let it sit for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Sarah’s Tips

• You can prep a big batch in the morning and sip it all day.

• Add sparkling water for a little fizz.

• Don’t skip the cucumber — it makes it taste like a spa drink!

• Want to make it pretty? Add edible flowers or thin grapefruit slices for that Pinterest-worthy look.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 8

• Sugar: 1g (from fruit, no added sugar)

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 0g

• Vitamin C: ~35% DV