Agua de Jamaica is a traditional Mexican drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. It’s beautifully deep red, tangy, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, this tea is perfect for staying cool on a warm day — and you can adjust the sweetness or citrus to your liking.
โ Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
-
1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers (called “flor de Jamaica” in Spanish)
-
1.5 liters (about 6 cups) of water
-
Ice, to taste
-
¼ cup of sugar, or to taste (you can substitute with natural sweeteners like agave, stevia, or honey)
-
Juice of ½ lemon or lime (optional, for a citrusy twist)
โ Preparation Instructions
-
Boil the Hibiscus Flowers
In a medium pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the dried hibiscus flowers.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flowers to release their deep red color and tart flavor. -
Let It Steep
Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture steep for another 10 minutes. This resting time helps to extract even more flavor and color from the hibiscus flowers. -
Strain and Sweeten
Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the liquid into a large pitcher to remove the flowers (you can discard or compost them).
While the tea is still warm, add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. -
Add Remaining Water
Pour in the remaining ½ liter of cold water to dilute the concentrate. Stir well. This balances the intensity of the tea. -
Chill and Serve
Add ice to taste, and if you like, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for extra brightness and zest. -
Optional Enhancements
-
For an even more refreshing twist, refrigerate the tea for a few hours before serving — this deepens the flavor.
-
Garnish with orange slices, lime wheels, or even fresh mint for a colorful and fragrant presentation.
-
๐บ Fun Fact
“Agua de Jamaica” is not just tasty — it also offers health benefits! Hibiscus is known for its antioxidant properties, and some studies suggest it may help support healthy blood pressure levels when consumed regularly (without excess sugar, of course!).
Let me know if you'd like this as a graphic for sharing, a printable version, or a short version for social media
