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    Home » Recipes » Agua Frescas » Agua de Jamaica 🌺 (Hibiscus Tea) + VIDEO

    Agua de Jamaica 🌺 (Hibiscus Tea) + VIDEO

    Last Updated May 5, 2023. Originally Posted March 30, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Agua de Jamaica is a sweet, slightly tart, and refreshing Mexican drink. This cold and crisp hibiscus tea is sure to hit the spot on warm days.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Agua de Jamaica in a glass with ice and garnished with mint leaves.
    A glass of agua de jamaica next to a pitcher of the same beverage.
    A glass of Agua de Jamaica served with ice and garnished with mint leaves.
    cropped-Agua-de-Jamaica-Drink.jpg
    A collage showing how to make agua de jamaica.

    Agua de Jamaica served in a glass with ice and topped with a mint leaf.

    Agua de Jamaica, also known as Hibiscus Water or Hibiscus Tea, is a bright red, tangy, and refreshing drink. Think cranberry juice but five times better! 

    With its origins in West Africa, this Mexican agua fresca made its way to Mexico thanks to the Spanish colonizers. 

    Similar to Agua de Tamarindo and Agua de Pepino , it is a beloved beverage across the country, enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and street food stalls alike. 

    Plus, did you know that it’s loaded with health benefits? Let’s explore what makes this drink so special! 

    Ingredients

    A bowl of dried hibiscus flowers.

    • dried hibiscus flowers

    • water

    • sugar (or to taste)

    • Lime juice (optional)

    • Lime wedges (for garnish)

    • Ice for serving

    Jamaica, or Ha-mai-Kah, is not pronounced like the Caribbean country.

    In a nutshell, it’s basically hibiscus tea. You might hear it referred to as “Hibiscus Water” or “Jamaica Drink.”

    This ruby hibiscus water is a totally refreshing iced tea.

    It’s made from dried hibiscus flowers. In Spanish, we call it “flor de jamaica.” The official scientific plant name is Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Roselle Hibiscus.

    Instructions

    Water boiling in a medium sized stock pot.

    • In a large pot, bring fresh water to a boil. Add the jamaica flowers. 
    • Lower the heat and simmer. The liquid should turn a deep red color. 

    Other Steeping Methods

    • Let the flowers soak in hot water for 2 hours, and it will turn out just the same.
    • Do a cold brew of the dried flowers overnight. Then take the leftover flowers for a hot brew the second batch. This is a two-in-one bonus!

    A collage showing how to make Agua de Jamaica drink.

    • Strain the tea from the hibiscus petals. 
    • Using the back of your cooking spoon strain the tea into a pitcher.
    • Add water to the hibiscus extract. 

    Remove the pot from the heat, and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, strain the liquid and discard the solids. 

    Although, there are creative uses for hibiscus. Some people will even use the leftover flor de jamaica for tacos. Yes! Tacos! Simply add the the leftover hibiscus flower to a tortilla and serve with salsa. 

    Most of the flavor from the flowers will be used after it is steeped. Any more batches will be weak.

    Optional Additions:

    • Cinnamon stick
    • Cloves
    • Ginger
    • Mint

    Great Idea! Freeze any leftovers and make ice cubes with them. Or, pour the Jamaica Water into popsicle molds for a yummy summer treat.

    A hand adding sugar to a pitcher of the jamaica drink.

    • Stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Add the remaining water and mix well.
    • Refrigerate until chilled, and serve over ice.

    The water will concentrate and will take on a deep red color as well as a thick consistency – almost like a thin syrup.

    This has a strong tart flavor and needs sugar. 

    For my diabetic friends, you can use any sugar substitute. Or, sweeten it up with piloncillo.

    Weight Loss Benefit

    When you’ve eaten one too many tacos and your pantalones are too tight, make this drink. It is a natural laxative.

    A hand stirring a large container of the Jamaica Drink.

    Pro Tip

    This recipe will make quite a bit of concentrate. Make some that day, then leave the Hibiscus concentrate for another day. It will be good for up to 5 days in the fridge.

    Health Benefits & Nutritional Information

    • This herbal tea is reported to help to lower high blood pressure.
    • It may help people with high cholesterol, reducing heart disease.
    • It may reduce sugar cravings.
    • It’s loaded with Vitamin C and full of antioxidants to fight off free radicals
    • It’s a great alternative to caffeinated iced tea.

    While some people make claims that this can lower blood pressure this information has not been verified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You should always check with your healthcare provider before using this natural hibiscus to control health conditions.

    For 21+ readers, splash or two of vodka or tequila for alcoholic beverages.

    A glass of Agua de Jamaica served with ice and garnished with mint leaves.

    More Agua Fresca Recipes:

    • Agua de Platano
    • Strawberry Agua Fresca
    • Pineapple Banana Agua Fresca
    • Agua de Melon
    • Pineapple Agua Fresca
    • Watermelon Agua Fresca

    This beverage goes perfectly with just about any authentic Mexican recipe. It’s light, just right, and easy to enjoy!

    Agua de Jamaica 🌺 is an excellent choice for a thirst-quenching, healthy alternative to sugary drinks. 🥤 Tickle your tastebuds while reaping the benefits of its antioxidants! 🍃💪

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Agua de Jamaica served in a glass with ice and topped with a mint leaf.

    Agua de Jamaica (Jamaica Drink)

    Agua de Jamaica is a sweet, slightly tart, and refreshing Mexican drink. This cold and crisp hibiscus tea is sure to hit the spot on warm days.
    5 from 37 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drink
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 people
    Calories: 75kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 12 cups water
    • 1 1/2 cup Dried Jamaica flowers (or hibiscus flowers)
    • 1 cup sugar

    Instructions

    • Boil 4 cups of water.
    • Add the jamaica flowers.
    • Return to boil for 10 minutes.
    • Turn off heat and cover. Let cool.
    • Strain into a pitcher.
    • Press down on the flowers with the back of a cooking spoon to extract the liquid.
    • Add remaining water and sugar to the pitcher.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Add more sugar if needed.

    Video

    Notes

    For a diabetic-friendly version, use Stevia instead. 
    Agua de Jamaica lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. 
    Other Steeping Methods:
    • Let the flowers soak in warm water for 2 hours, and it will turn out just the same.
    • Do a cold brew of the dried flowers overnight. Then take the leftover flowers and hot brew the second batch.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    This post was recently updated with new pictures. You might remember the old ones.
    Agua de Jamaica in a glass with ice and garnished with mint leaves.

    Filed Under: Agua Frescas, Drinks, Mexican, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alexandra

      April 1, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious and refreshing drink.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 8, 2021 at 8:33 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    2. Sue

      April 2, 2021 at 4:46 am

      5 stars
      I love tea in so many flavors. This is a new one I need to try, it sounds so refreshing and delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 8, 2021 at 8:31 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this Sue!

        Reply
    3. Nayomi

      April 2, 2021 at 6:08 am

      5 stars
      Refreshing and delicious

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 8, 2021 at 8:31 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this

        Reply
    4. Lilly

      April 2, 2021 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      This drink is so refreshing! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 5, 2021 at 1:27 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    5. Chef Dennis

      April 2, 2021 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      This looks really refreshing! My sons will love this Agua de Jamaica!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 5, 2021 at 1:28 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    6. Ramona

      April 3, 2021 at 1:36 am

      5 stars
      This is a really nice drink and fab way to drink my hibiscus tea now. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 5, 2021 at 1:08 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this! Hope you try it

        Reply
    7. Catherine

      April 3, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 5, 2021 at 1:06 pm

        Thanks! Hope you try it

        Reply
    8. Sabrina

      April 3, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      I love this refreshing drink! Thanks

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 5, 2021 at 1:07 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    9. Christopher S Vogelmann

      April 6, 2021 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      I love the taste of this stuff but I have to be careful not to overdo it. 😉

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 8, 2021 at 10:42 am

        It’s so good. Glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
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