Print

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) is a vibrant, refreshing beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers soaked to release a tangy, sweet, and floral flavor. This ruby-red iced tea is naturally caffeine-free, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and perfect for cooling down on warm days. Easily customizable with variations like herbal infusions, spices, fruit additions, or alcohol, it offers a healthy and delicious alternative to sugary sodas with a beautiful presentation and simple preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar or sweetener, adjusted to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes, as needed

Instructions

  1. Steep the Hibiscus Flowers: Bring 8 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat and add 2 cups of dried hibiscus flowers. Let steep for 10 to 15 minutes until the water turns a deep red color and the flowers infuse their tart flavor.
  2. Strain the Mixture: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain out the hibiscus flowers, pressing gently to extract all the flavorful liquid. This creates a smooth and vivid tea base.
  3. Sweeten the Tea: While the tea is still warm, stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar or preferred sweetener until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste to balance the tartness.
  4. Add Lime Juice and Chill: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lime juice to enhance the flavor. Transfer the tea to the refrigerator and let it cool completely for at least one hour.
  5. Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Agua de Jamaica over the top. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs or lime slices if desired and enjoy immediately for the best refreshment.

Notes

  • Use quality organic dried hibiscus flowers for the purest, most vibrant flavor.
  • Do not steep the flowers for longer than 15 minutes to avoid bitterness.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners such as honey, agave, or maple syrup for varied sweetness profiles.
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Serve the tea cold with plenty of ice cubes for ultimate refreshment.

Nutrition

Keywords: Agua de Jamaica, Hibiscus Iced Tea, Hibiscus Tea, Refreshing Drink, Mexican Beverage, Cold Tea, Antioxidant Drink, Healthy Tea