Description
Refreshing homemade Hibiscus Iced Tea (Agua de Jamaica) with dried hibiscus flowers, sweetened to taste, and served over ice. The perfect thirst quencher!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups water, divided
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de Jamaica)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for added warmth)
- 2–3 whole cloves (optional, for added spice)
- 1 orange, sliced (optional, for garnish and flavor)
- Ice, for serving
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add hibiscus flowers, cinnamon stick (if using), and cloves (if using).
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes (or up to an hour for a stronger flavor).
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a heat-resistant bowl or pitcher. Discard the solids.
- While the concentrate is still warm, add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve over ice. Garnish with orange slices and mint sprigs, if desired.
Notes
- Use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sugar to your personal preference. Other sweeteners like honey or agave can be used.
- Experiment with adding other fruits and herbs like ginger, lemongrass, berries, or citrus fruits.
- For a stronger flavor, make a hibiscus syrup by simmering the flowers with sugar and water until thickened.
- Hibiscus tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor before regular consumption.
- Dried hibiscus flowers can be found at Latin American grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers.
- Experiment with spices like cardamom, star anise, or a pinch of chili powder.
- Scale up the recipe for larger batches.
- Make hibiscus tea popsicles by freezing the chilled tea in popsicle molds.
- Use hibiscus tea as a base for cocktails with rum, tequila, or vodka.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes