Description
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) is a refreshing, naturally vibrant Mexican beverage made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers to create a tangy, fruity iced tea. Perfect for warm days, this antioxidant-rich drink is easy to prepare, customizable in sweetness, and beautifully brightens your palate with its floral tartness and fresh lime zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (or honey/agave as alternatives)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Tea: Start by boiling 4 cups of water. Once boiling, remove from heat and add 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let steep for about 10-15 minutes until the water turns a vibrant red.
- Strain and Sweeten: Strain the hibiscus infusion through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove all flower bits. Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar while the liquid is still warm, adjusting sweetness to your liking.
- Add Freshness: Once cooled to room temperature, stir in the juice of one fresh lime to give the tea a bright, citrusy kick. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Serve Over Ice: Pour the chilled Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) over a glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish if desired, and enjoy the invigorating taste.
Notes
- Use quality dried hibiscus flowers without additives for best flavor and color.
- Adjust sweetness gradually to avoid over-sweetening.
- Serve the tea ice-cold for maximum refreshing effect.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled for brighter flavor.
- Do not over-steep hibiscus to prevent bitterness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg