This agua de jamaica recipe is slightly tart, perfectly sweetened, and incredibly refreshing. It’s one of the most popular Mexican aguas frescas that pairs well with your favorite Mexican dishes.
Agua de Jamaica Recipe
Agua de jamaica is also known as Hibiscus tea or simply jamaica. It is a vibrant crimson-colored beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers. Its name, “Jamaica,” fools some people into thinking it has origins in the Caribbean island, but it comes from the Arabic word “jamaica,” which means “drink made from flowers.” Introduced to Mexico by way of Africa, this floral infusion quickly became a beloved part of Mexican cuisine and culture. This agua de jamaica is simply a refreshing hibiscus iced tea made from an infusion of hibiscus flowers.
Agua de jamaica is my favorite agua fresca for a good reason. It pairs well with spicy food and most Mexican dishes, especially tacos, enchiladas, and pozole. Make it on a hot summer day and thank me later.
Health Benefits of Agua de Jamaica
Recent studies show that drinking hibiscus tea may help reduce blood pressure and fight inflammation. This agua de jamaica recipe is packed with anthocyanins! Anthocyanins are pigments found in red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables -part of a larger category of plant-based chemicals called flavonoids.
Anthocyanins may help reduce blood pressure, according to a review of 66 studies! They help release nitric oxide from cells within the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure.
However, you do want to be mindful of how much sugar you add – If you’re watching your blood sugar I recommend using a sugar substitute like Stevia or My Normal allulose syrup – a sugar that naturally occurs in fruits. It’s not too sweet and tastes better than any sugar substitute I’ve tried before – no weird aftertaste either! It makes this agua de Jamaica perfectly sweetened and diabetes-friendly!
Where to buy Jamaica
You can find dried jamaica at most Mexican stores labeled as “flor de jamaica” or online. It usually comes in a bag so after opening it I recommend storing it in a glass jar or a tight-sealed container to preserve freshness.
Agua de Jamaica Recipe in 5 Easy Steps
- Add hot water to jamaica and steep for 30 minutes.
- Drain and keep the flowers.
- Add ice-cold water to help cool it off.
- Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
- Pour over ice, sweeten, and enjoy!
If you like aguas frescas, you might also love my horchata recipe:
Whether you’re sipping it on a hot summer day or incorporating it into your favorite recipes, Agua de Jamaica is a beverage that never fails to quench your thirst. Its vibrant color, refreshing taste, and cultural significance make it a true gem of Mexican cuisine. So, next time you’re craving a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, make this agua de jamaica recipe and let its magic transport you to the sunny streets of Mexico. Salud!
Agua de Jamaica
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This agua de jamaica recipe is slightly tart, perfectly sweetened, and incredibly refreshing. It’s one of the most popular Mexican aguas frescas that pairs well with your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried Jamaica (hibiscus flowers)
- 8 cups boiling water
- ¼ cup sugar or sugar substitute
Instructions
- Add Jamaica to a large bowl or pot.
- Pour in boiling water, and sugar and let steep for 30 minutes.
- If adding liquid sweetener like agave or stevia syrup you can add it after it has cooled off.
- Drain the Jamaica and keep the flowers to make a delicious recipe.
- Add 2 cups of ice-cold water to help the Jamaica cool off.
- Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: drinks
- Cuisine: Mexican
I’ve been making this recipe for weeks now and it’s the perfect summer drink. Refreshing, healthy and easy to make!
Very delicious and refreshing, great drink for hot summer days!
The most refreshing drink! I have read that it has many benefits too! 🫶