Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)
Local name: Agua de jamaica
In short: Dried hibiscus flowers steeped into a tart ruby-red infusion, sweetened and served over ice with lime for a refreshing agua fresca. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 50 kcal
Agua de jamaica is the deep red, tart hibiscus drink poured at taquerías, fondas and family tables across Mexico. Dried hibiscus flowers, called flor de jamaica, are simmered briefly, steeped and sweetened, then diluted with cold water and served over ice. The flavor is like cranberry with a floral note, and it cuts through spicy and rich food. Sweeten to taste and add a squeeze of lime. It keeps for days, so make a big jug.
Instructions
- Bring the 1 L of water to a boil in a saucepan with the cinnamon stick, if using. Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover and let steep for 20 minutes. The liquid will turn a deep ruby red.
- Strain into a large pitcher, pressing the flowers with the back of a spoon to extract all the color.
- Stir the sugar into the warm liquid until it dissolves, then add the cold water.
- Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with a squeeze of lime.
Tips
- For a gentler, less tart drink, skip the simmering. Pour the hot water over the flowers and steep for 30 minutes.
- Do not throw away the steeped flowers. Sauté them with onion, garlic and a little chile for a vegetarian taco filling called tacos de jamaica.
Questions and answers
How long does agua de jamaica keep?
Up to 5 days in a covered jar in the fridge. The flavor stays good, though the color may fade slightly.
Does agua de jamaica have caffeine?
No. Hibiscus is a caffeine-free infusion, so it works well for children and for the evening.
Can I sweeten it with something other than sugar?
Yes. Agave syrup, grated piloncillo or a sugar substitute all work. Dissolve the sweetener while the infusion is still warm and add it gradually.
How long does it take to make Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)?
About 50 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 50 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
