Agua Fresca de Jamaica (Homemade Hibiscus Iced Tea) (2024)

Have you ever tasted homemadeAgua Fresca de Jamaica?
It has only three ingredients: dried hibiscus flowers, water, and sugar. This fantasticHomemade Hibiscus Iced Teais a sweet, tart, and refreshing experience you need to know how to make!

I first triedAgua de Jamaicawhile visiting my favorite Mexican, the ever-livelychica Dinorah 😍

This refreshing drink was like nothing I had sipped before. A clash of tart and sweet with that gorgeous ruby-red hue. Delicious!

That was the beginning, the sweet genesis of myaffair with Agua de Jamaica. It became my go-to refreshment, versatile and delightful in its simplicity. I even sip it as a substitute for wine when my waistline whispers moderation. LOL! 😉
Inspired by Dinorah,Agua de Jamaicahas become a staple in my house and as another reminder of our long-cherished friendship. Salud mi hermana!! 💕

What is Agua de Jamaica: The Rockstar of Mexican Aguas Frescas

Agua de Jamaica, which is the equivalent to "hibiscus water," is a simple drink made withFlor de Jamaica seca (Dried Hibiscus Flowers),water, and a touch of sweetness. Hibiscus drinks are popular worldwide, and this drink has been cooling down Latin American palates for centuries.

Hailing from the sun-drenched streets of Mexico, Jamaica Flowers or hibiscus flowers are the heart of this iconic iced tea. Agua de Jamaica is a staple amongMexican Agua Fresca offeringsand is as common as sunshine on hot summer days. From bustling street vendors to family gatherings, it's a cheerful sip of Mexican tradition.

Despite the popularity of commercially bottled drinks, AGUA FRESCAS (Spanish for Fresh Water) remain a top beverage for Mexicans. Agua Frescas, made from fruits or flowers like thisAgua de Jamaica recipe, is a beloved Mexican drink for its acidity, sweetness, and refreshing taste.

What does it taste like?
Agua de Jamaica got cranberry juice's tart vibrancy and the hibiscus flowers' floral taste.Agua de Jamaicais a unique type of Mexican Agua Fresca because of its robust taste, making it a great alternative to sugary drinks.

Sip Agua de Jamaica while preparing one of these Latin meals

• Carnitas Street Tacos
• Bacon-Wrapped Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
• Chimichurri Steak Tacos

Where To Buy Dried Hibiscus Flowers Called "Flor De Jamaica"

You can find Flor de Jamaica in mostMexican grocery stores,Mexican markets, and even someAsian storesin theUnited States. You can also find them at large retailers likeWal-Martand evenonline. These dried flowers are the key ingredient in our homemade Agua Fresca de Jamaica.

Dried Hibiscus Petals

• A large pot or large saucepan
• A mesh strainer for filtering
• A pitcher big enough for serving and storage

Ingredients

To make this Agua de Jamaica recipe, you only need three simple ingredients and 15 minutes.

• Dried Hibiscus Flowers (Flores de Jamaica)
• Sugar (or your favorite sweetener -White sugar,brown,raw sugar,agave nectar, or try this sugar-free simple syrup recipe)
• Water

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities

How to Make Agua de Jamaica

Making this Hibiscus Iced Tea is simple and quick

Step 1: Boil

• Mix 1 cup ofdried hibiscus flowers (Flores de Jamaica)and 4cups of waterin 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.

See Also

Agua de Jamaica – Hibiscus Tea [Step-by-Step]Switch Up Your Regular Iced Tea With Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)Agua Fresca de Jamaica Recipe: How To Make Mexican Hibiscus TeaAgua Fresca de Jamaica: Mexico’s Sweet Tea

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

• Add1/2 cup of sugaror 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 co*cktails.

Step 5: Finish

• Finish by adding the remaining 4 cups of cold water.

Step 6: Stir well and chill

• Voilà, alarge batchof refreshments!

Garnish if desired for a Hibiscus Iced Tea that looks like a fancy mocktail!

This Hibiscus Iced Tea (Agua de Jamaica drink)is more than just a thirst quencher; it's a glass brimming with tradition, taste, and wellness. A simple yet robust beverage that captures the essence of Mexican culture and serves it with a side of health benefits.

Whether sipping it on a sweltering summer day or enjoying a warm, comforting cup during chillier days, Jamaica water adapts to every occasion. And for that – salud!

Recipe Variations

• Infuse withcinnamon sticksorallspice berriesfor a spicy twist.
• Add a splash oflime juiceorlemon juicefor extra zing.
• Swap sugar formaple syruporhoneyas a sugar substitute. Or try this Monk Fruit Simple Syrup Recipe (sugar-free).
• For a fizzy version, mix withsoda water.
• Turn it intohot hibiscus teaon chilly evenings (remember, hibiscus tea is caffeine-free).
• Experiment with variousfruit juicesto alter theflavor of the tea. I like adding a splash of juice, likepineapple,for an extra tropical flavor.

How to store Agua de Jamaica

Thebest wayto keep it fresh is by refrigerating it in anairtight containeror by covering the pitcher with plastic to ensure freshness. Refrigerate forup to 3 daysfor the best flavor.

Other commonly asked questions about Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Is hibiscus tea acidic?

Yes, but in a good way!Hibiscus tea has an acidic nature, and that's part of its delightful appeal. This acidity, derived from naturalcitric acidandmalic acidfound in thehibiscus flowers,contributes to its unique taste, and not only imparts a refreshingly tart flavor but is also a powerhouse ofvitamin C. Adding a sweetener helps balance things out resulting in a great tart and sweet tea!

What are the health benefits of hibiscus tea?

Hibiscus tea is known for its healthy properties, as explained in thisarticle. It may help tolower blood pressureand aid inweight loss.

The Vitamin Cin this refreshing tea is an essential nutrient that bolsters theimmune system. In contrast, the other components of this tea may have apositive effectonoverall health. Lastly, the vibrantred colorof the brew isn't just for show; it's a visual cue to the presence of beneficial organic acids.

This tea made with dried hibiscus flowers is caffeine-free and could even be considered a type of superfood.

Wait! Are you telling me that this Agua de Jamaica is not just delicious but also healthy? I love it even more!

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Pairing

Sip your Agua de Jamaica while prepping one of these dishes:

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Remember to leave a star rating if you've mde this recipe! Your feedback helps us improve and inspires others to embark on their culinary journey. Happy sipping! And Salud!

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