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Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea)

5 min Cook
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Hibiscus Tea

Agua de Jamaica is a refreshing drink made of hibiscus flowers and spices. It’s beloved for its vibrant color, tart-sweet flavor, and refreshing qualities, making it a staple in Mexican cuisine and a popular choice for hot summer days. You can buy hibiscus flowers at most supermarkets or herbalist stores. Enjoy it as a traditional agua fresca or experiment with your own twists!

Jamaican water, a refreshing treat you'll love

corinthian
Agua de Jamaica, also known as Jamaican water or hibiscus tea, is a Mexican drink that's very popular in Central and North America for its refreshing qualities and vibrant colors.
prep time
15 min
cooking time
5 min
servings
4-6
total time
20 min

Equipment

  • 1 boiling pot

  • 1 fine strainer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (about 50g) dried hibiscus flowers (flor de Jamaica)

  • 8 cups (2 liters) water

  • ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2–3 cloves

  • 1 strip of orange peel

Instructions

1

Boil the water

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2

Infuse

Remove the pot from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers, and the spices (cinnamon, orange peel and cloves). Let the flowers steep for 10–15 minutes until the water turns a deep red.
3

Sweeten

Stir in sugar while the tea is still warm, adjusting to your preferred sweetness.
4

Chill

Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
5

Serve

Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge or cinnamon stick.

Notes

For a stronger flavor, let the hibiscus steep longer or even overnight in the fridge. Adjust sweetness to your liking: traditional Mexican agua de Jamaica is often quite sweet, but you can reduce the sugar for a tart version. Serve as a refreshing drink on its own, or use it as a base for cocktails like a Jamaica Margarita (mix with tequila, lime juice, and agave).
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