Agua de Jamaica
Have you tried Agua de Jamaica? If not, you must! It tastes as beautiful as it looks. Rich in color, great health benefits and tastes DELICIOUS! Sweet, tart and refreshing.
Agua de Jamaica is made with hibiscus flowers. Variations of the drink are popular in many countries around the world and it’s said to have originated in Africa. I was introduced to it in Mexico, where it’s referred to as an agua fresca (refreshing water), but in other parts of the world you may hear it referred to as tea. It can be served hot or cold. I prefer it chilled.
The first time I heard of it, I was in Playa del Carmen buying food at a food stand, when the server mentioned it while running down the list of beverages they offered. As a true foodie and always willing to try something new, I asked for a serving and paired it with my pambazo de chorizo and quesadilla de carne. Now, I drink it at least once a week. Sometimes I buy it and other times I make it. And because I’ve learned how to make it, I will teach you. It’s super easy and great to have in your recipe arsenal. Please keep reading for the health benefits and the Mexican recipe that I use served cold.
Health Benefits
Agua de Jamaica is not only delicious but includes health properties. It’s packed with antioxidants, helps lower blood pressure and promotes weight loss when made with no sugar.
So without further ado, the recipe.
Agua de Jamaica Recipe
Ingredients
Servings: 4-6
4 cups of Hot Water
1 - 1 1/2 cups of Dried Hibiscus Flowers
1/2 - 3/4 cups of Sugar
Ice
Instructions
Pour 4 cups of cold water into a pot and bring it to a boil
Add 1 - 1 1/2 cups of dried hibiscus flowers to the boiling water *the more hibiscus the more pungent the taste
Start by adding 1/2 cup of sugar to mix and stir
Turn off stove and allow it to sit for 15 minutes
Strain water into pitcher *I like to add a few hibiscus flowers back in for taste and decoration
Add ice and additional sugar to taste
Refrigerate
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Enjoy,
-Natali-
Photos sourced from Pexels