This crisp, vibrant iced tea is a phenomenal tool for lean muscle maintenance and deep hydration. By infusing tart hibiscus tea with clear whey isolate and collagen peptides, you get a massive protein hit with absolutely zero net carbs. The addition of apple cider vinegar, citrus wheels, and diced cucumbers adds a refreshing complexity that crushes sweet cravings instantly.
Ingredients
(Per Gallon Jug | Approx. 140 Calories | 29g Protein | 0g Net Carbs)
1 gallon brewed hibiscus tea (completely cooled or chilled)
1.5 scoops Berry-flavored or Unflavored Clear Whey Isolate protein powder
1 scoop unflavored Collagen Peptides
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
1 medium blood orange (or regular orange), sliced into thin wheels
1/2 medium cucumber, finely diced or cubed
Lots of ice
Optional: Loose dried hibiscus petals or a pinch of pink salt for the top setup
Instructions
1. Brew and Chill the Base
Brew a concentrated batch of hibiscus tea using 6 to 8 tea bags (or 1/2 cup of loose dried hibiscus flowers) in 4 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes, remove the tea bags, and stir in the remaining cold filtered water to bring the total liquid volume close to a gallon. Let it chill completely in the refrigerator.
2. Dissolve the Protein Clump-Free
Pour 2 cups of your chilled hibiscus tea into a large shaker bottle. Add the Clear Whey Isolate and Collagen Peptides. Shake vigorously until all the powder is completely dissolved.
3. Let the Foam Settle
Clear whey naturally creates a thick, frothy white foam layer when shaken. Let the shaker bottle rest undisturbed on your counter for 3 to 5 minutes until the foam layer fully vanishes and the liquid turns back into a beautiful, clear ruby red color.
4. Build the Aesthetic Gallon Jugs
Take your clean gallon containers and fill them halfway with crushed or cubed ice. Slip your fresh orange slices down along the inner sides of the plastic and scatter your diced cucumbers throughout the ice layers.
5. Combine and Serve Cold
Pour the apple cider vinegar and the settled clear protein liquid directly into the ice-filled jug. Top it off to the brim with the rest of your brewed hibiscus tea. Secure the cap and tip the jug upside down gently a few times to blend. Serve ice-cold with a reusable straw.