This tropical sweet tea can help you “sip back,” relax, and unwind for the day.
Who doesn’t love a tall glass of iced tea in the middle of summer? But this Mexican drink will do you one better; it uses sweet hibiscus flowers instead of plain tea leaves, plus some zesty lime juice to put your palate into paradise.
Although it has roots in Mexico, agua de Jamaica is not native to the land. Supposedly, the pretty and pink hibiscus flower came to Mexico from Jamaica, hence the Spanish name: “water of Jamaica”. That’s quite the commute for one little flower, yet here it is, coloring our cups with its gorgeous (and tasty) essence!
Usually, I enjoy hibiscus tea hot and unsweetened, but agua de Jamaica turns plain herbal tea into a refreshing beverage fit for the beach. It’s fabulously floral, with a hint of tanginess from the lime. Served with ice and a lime wedge, there’s not much more you could ask for on a sunny day.
Is Agua de Jamaica Healthy?
Since it does have added sugar, it’s not the healthiest drink. However, its bright and beautiful color is all-natural (from pink hibiscus flowers), which means there are no additives or colorings. Also, hibiscus does contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system. For a sugar alternative, try allulose, stevia, or monk fruit.
What Makes It So Colorful?
Hibiscus flowers have three kinds of pigment: carotenoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols. Carotenoids are predominantly found in orange and yellow foods like butternut squash, carrots, and corn. Anthocyanins and flavanols are compounds that give fruits and veggies their red, purple, and pale yellow colors. With these vibrant and diverse pigment combos, it’s no wonder hibiscus tea comes out so bright and beautiful!
How to make ahead and store
Store agua de Jamaica in a sealed jar or covered pitcher in the fridge for up to a week and a half. For longer storage, pour the tea (at room temperature) into freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving in a pitcher. Alternatively, you could portion it into a few ice cube trays.
Serving Suggestions
Sip and savor this ruby red drink by itself, with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass. Or, create a little Mexican elixir bar with classic horchata, Watermelon Margaritas, and Strawberry Mojitos.
If you’re looking for something spicy to snack on alongside agua de Jamaica, try Healthy Tacos, Healthy Nachos, Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Twice-Baked Mexican Sweet Potatoes. This drink dazzles with a sweetness that complements all the spices of Mexican food.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.
- Remove the pot from heat, add the dried hibiscus flowers and sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing on the flowers to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Stir in the lime juice and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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