Agua de Jamaica
Hibiscus Iced Tea
A vibrant and refreshing cold beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, offering a beautiful ruby-red color and a delightful tangy flavor. Perfect for hot days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100 g Dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)(Available at Latin American markets or online. Ensure they are food-grade.)
- 2 L Water(Approximately 8 cups.)
- 150 g Granulated sugar(Adjust to your sweetness preference. This is a starting point.)
- 1 Lime(Optional, for serving. Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a nice brightness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large saucepan or pot, bring the 2 liters of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the dried hibiscus flowers.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the hibiscus flowers steep for 10 minutes. The liquid should turn a deep, rich red. After steeping, remove the pot from the heat. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or heatproof container, discarding the flowers. Press gently on the flowers to extract maximum flavor, but avoid squeezing them too hard, which can release bitterness.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
While the hibiscus infusion is still warm, add the granulated sugar. Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Serve the Agua de Jamaica over ice. If desired, squeeze fresh lime juice into each glass just before serving for an extra zing.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Do not oversteep the hibiscus flowers, as this can result in a bitter taste. 10 minutes is generally sufficient.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference. You can also use alternative sweeteners like agave nectar or simple syrup.
- ✓Agua de Jamaica is incredibly refreshing on hot days and pairs well with spicy foods.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the water along with the hibiscus flowers for a spicy kick.
- Reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet, more tart beverage.
- For a lighter version, use less sugar or a sugar substitute.