Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing drink known for its deep ruby color and perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients, this antioxidant-rich beverage offers a delightful floral flavor with optional zesty lime and mint enhancements. Ideal for cooling down on warm days or entertaining guests, it’s a healthy, versatile, and naturally flavorful twist on traditional iced tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup to 1 cup sugar or preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh lime juice (to taste)
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus: Rinse 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers under cold water to remove any impurities, ensuring a clean and pure tea.
- Boil Water: Bring 6 cups of fresh water to a rolling boil in a medium-sized pot or kettle to extract maximum flavor and color.
- Steep Hibiscus Tea: Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers to the boiling water, remove from heat, and let steep for 15 minutes until the water turns a deep red hue.
- Sweeten Your Tea: Strain out the hibiscus flowers and stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar or sweetener while the tea is still warm, adjusting the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprig of mint, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust steeping time to control the tartness of the tea.
- Use high-quality, preferably organic dried hibiscus flowers for best flavor and health benefits.
- Add sugar gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-sweetening.
- Refrigerate thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and to serve perfectly chilled.
- Experiment with add-ins like cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh fruit slices, or herbal blends to customize flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Agua de Jamaica, Hibiscus Iced Tea, Refreshing Drink, Mexican Beverage, Antioxidant Drink, Summer Drink, Herbal Tea
Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/agua-de-jamaica-hibiscus-iced-tea/