A refreshing, sweet, and tart drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, popular in Mexico and the Caribbean. It’s known for its vibrant ruby color and numerous health benefits.
Agua de Jamaica: Sweet & Tart Tea
A refreshing, sweet, and tart drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, popular in Mexico and the Caribbean. It's known for its vibrant ruby color and numerous health benefits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de Jamaica)
- 8 cups water divided
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar or to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold water.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the rinsed hibiscus flowers. Stir well.
- Cover the saucepan and let the hibiscus steep for 10-15 minutes, or until the water turns a deep ruby red color.
- Strain the hibiscus liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or heat-proof container, discarding the spent flowers.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and the sugar to the hibiscus liquid. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Chill the Agua de Jamaica in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve over ice.
Notes
Adjust sugar to your preference for a sweeter or tarter drink. A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a cinnamon stick added during steeping can enhance the flavor. Store chilled in the refrigerator for up to a week.
