Agua de Jamaica: Easy Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing traditional Mexican beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers. Its distinct tart and floral notes, sweetened to perfection, make it an ideal thirst-quencher for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water to boil
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or to taste
- 4-6 cups cold water for diluting and chilling
- lime slices for garnish (optional)
- mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil in a medium pot.
- Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica).
- Cover the pot and let the hibiscus steep for 10-15 minutes, or until the water turns a deep ruby red color. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor.
- Strain the concentrated hibiscus tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or heat-proof container, carefully discarding the spent flowers.
- Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to the hot tea and stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- Allow the concentrated hibiscus tea to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial before diluting to ensure the best flavor.
- Once cooled, add another 4-6 cups of cold water to the concentrate. The amount of water depends on how strong or diluted you prefer your Agua de Jamaica. Stir well.
- Chill the Agua de Jamaica thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Serve over plenty of ice, optionally garnished with fresh lime slices or mint sprigs.
Notes
For a stronger flavor, steep the hibiscus flowers longer, up to 20 minutes. Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference; some prefer it less sweet, while others like it sweeter. Serve chilled over ice with a slice of lime or orange for garnish. You can also add a sprig of mint for extra freshness. The concentrate can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; dilute and serve when ready. Consider adding a splash of tequila or rum for an adult version.