Agua Fresca de Jamaica (Homemade Hibiscus Iced Tea)
This popular Mexican beverage, Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea), is a sweet, tart, and refreshing drink made from simmering dried hibiscus flowers. You only need three simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make it!
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Servings: 8 Glasses
Calories: 48kcal
Equipment
- A large pot or large saucepanA mesh strainerA pitcher big enough for serving and storage.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Hibiscus Flowers Flores de Jamaica
- 1/2 cup Sugar see notes
- 8 cups Water divided
Instructions
Step 1: Boil - Mix 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers (Flores de Jamaica) and 4 cups of water in a large pot. Bring them to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Steep - After 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let the flowers steep for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Strain - Using a mesh strainer, separate the flowers from the tea into a pitcher. Discard the flowers. This makes a hibiscus tea concentrate.
- Step 4: Sweeten - Add 1/2 cup of sugar or your chosen sweetener to a pitcher and stir until it dissolves. Taste as you go and increase the sweetener if desired.
TIP: This hibiscus tea concentrate makes an excellent foundation for mocktails and cocktails.
- Step 5: Finish - Finish by adding the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Step 6: STIR WELL AND CHILL. Voilà, a large batch of refreshments!
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Notes
Sweetener: Use you favorite one - white sugar, brown or raw sugar, agave nectar, or try this sugar-free simple syrup recipe.
Where to buy dried hibiscs flowers (Flor de Jamaica)
Dried hibiscus flowers are sold in most Mexican grocery stores, Mexican markets, and even some Asian stores in the United States. You can also find them at large retailers like Wal-Mart and even online. Recipe Variations
Dried hibiscus flowers are sold in most Mexican grocery stores, Mexican markets, and even some Asian stores in the United States. You can also find them at large retailers like Wal-Mart and even online. Recipe Variations
- Infuse with cinnamon sticks or allspice berries for a spicy twist.
- Add a splash of lime juice or lemon juice for extra zing.
- Swap sugar for maple syrup or honey as a sugar substitute. Or try this Monk Fruit Simple Syrup Recipe (sugar-free).
- For a fizzy version, mix with soda water.
- Turn it into hot hibiscus tea on chilly evenings (remember, it is caffeine-free).
- Experiment with various fruit juices to alter the flavor of the tea. I like adding a splash of juice, like pineapple, for an extra tropical flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 6mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.03mg