Easy Agua de Jamaica Recipe
A quick and refreshing homemade hibiscus drink that is tangy, slightly sweet, and perfect for hot days. This simple recipe uses dried hibiscus flowers, water, and sugar to create a vibrant, caffeine-free beverage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (15–20 grams) dried hibiscus flowers (jamaica)
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
- ½ to ¾ cup (100–150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (optional)
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and add 1 cup (15-20 grams) dried hibiscus flowers and the cinnamon stick if using. Stir gently.
- Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes until the water turns a deep red color with a tart floral aroma.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the petals and cinnamon stick. Press gently on the petals to extract extra flavor.
- While the liquid is still warm, stir in ½ to ¾ cup granulated sugar until dissolved. Add 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice if desired. Refrigerate until cold, about 1-2 hours, or serve immediately over ice.
Notes
Do not over-steep hibiscus flowers to avoid bitterness; steep for 10-15 minutes only. Adjust sweetness gradually. Use filtered water for best flavor. Serve chilled or over ice. Leftovers keep up to 4 days refrigerated; dilute before serving if too concentrated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 fl oz
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
Keywords: agua de jamaica, hibiscus drink, refreshing drink, homemade beverage, Mexican drink, caffeine-free, summer drink