Agua de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) Recipe

Name: Agua de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 2 cups dried hibiscus petals; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 pinch ground cloves; 1 pinch ground nutmeg; 1 pinch ground allspice; 0.5 cup chopped piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cones); 1.5 cups white sugar

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

6 cups water
2 cups dried hibiscus petals
1 cinnamon stick
1 pinch ground cloves
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground allspice
cup chopped piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cones)
1 cups white sugar

Directions:

Place 6 cups of water in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, add the hibiscus petals, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the water has taken on a deep red color.
Stir in the chopped piloncillo and let it dissolve fully into the hibiscus mixture.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes.
Once cooled, strain the liquid into a 1-gallon pitcher using a fine wire mesh strainer. Press the hibiscus petals gently to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the petals.
Add the white sugar to the strained liquid and stir until fully dissolved.
Fill the pitcher with cold water to reach the desired amount of beverage, adjusting to taste.
Serve immediately for a refreshing drink, or let the beverage stand overnight for a deeper flavor.

Cooks Note: If piloncillo is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar or additional white sugar to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	97
Sodium	3mg
Total Carbohydrate	25g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	25g
Vitamin C	0mg
Calcium	6mg
Potassium	4mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Agua de Jamaica is a beloved Mexican drink thats both refreshing and flavorful. Made from dried hibiscus petals, this iced tea combines a tart, floral essence with sweet spices and sugar. Its a vibrant, ruby-red beverage that offers a delicious way to cool down, especially in hot weather. But its origins and variations add to the intrigue of this tropical drink. Lets explore its history, regional nuances, and unique characteristics.

History and Origin

Agua de Jamaica has deep roots in Mexico, where it is considered one of the traditional "aguas frescas" (fresh waters). The drink is made using the hibiscus flower, known as "flor de Jamaica" in Spanish. While hibiscus flowers themselves are native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, they were introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. In Mexico, the plant flourished and became a key ingredient in local beverages, particularly those consumed during the warm summer months.

Regional Variations

Although Agua de Jamaica is most closely associated with Mexican cuisine, its enjoyed across Central and South America with slight regional differences. In some parts of Mexico, especially in coastal areas, it is served chilled with a sprig of mint or a slice of lime to enhance its refreshment value. In other regions, it may be sweetened with piloncillo (a type of unrefined brown sugar), adding a rich, earthy flavor compared to the more common white sugar.

In the Caribbean, similar hibiscus-based drinks can be found, such as the Jamaican "Sorrel" drink, which often includes ginger, cloves, and rum for a festive touch. This highlights how the basic concept of hibiscus-based drinks transcends borders and has been adapted to local tastes.

Differences from Similar Drinks

Agua de Jamaica shares similarities with other floral-based beverages, such as "Agua de Horchata" or "Agua de Tamarindo," but stands out with its distinct tartness. While horchata is made with rice and cinnamon and tamarindo uses tamarind fruit for sweetness and tang, agua de Jamaica is known for its bold, refreshing flavor profile with a slight bitterness. This makes it unique in comparison to sweeter, creamier aguas like horchata.

The hibiscus tea used in Jamaica also has health benefits, such as helping to lower blood pressure and offering a good source of vitamin C, making it a nutritious alternative to sugary sodas and other high-calorie beverages.

Where Agua de Jamaica is Typically Served

Agua de Jamaica is ubiquitous throughout Mexico, especially in places where street vendors serve aguas frescas alongside traditional foods like tacos, tamales, and tortas. In restaurants, it can often be found on the menu, particularly during the warmer months, as it is perfect for quenching thirst on hot days. The drink is also a common feature at Mexican festivals, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.

Internationally, agua de Jamaica has gained popularity, especially in the United States, where many Latin American communities enjoy it as a staple refreshment. It is also found in health food stores due to its purported health benefits.

Interesting Facts

One interesting fact about agua de Jamaica is that the hibiscus flower used to make it isnt just for drinkingits also used in cooking. The petals are sometimes incorporated into salsas, soups, and even desserts like cakes or jellies. Additionally, hibiscus is often used in cosmetics and medicinal products due to its antioxidant properties.

The deep red color of the drink is not just visually striking; its also due to anthocyanins, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, agua de Jamaica isn't just a tasty beverage but also a natural health tonic.

FAQ about Agua de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea) Recipe

Store Agua de Jamaica in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. For best taste, consume within a few days of making it.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you find the drink too sweet, you can reduce the amount of white sugar or piloncillo. Alternatively, you can replace the sugar with honey or agave syrup. Some people even use stevia or a sugar substitute for a lighter option.

If you can’t find piloncillo, you can substitute it with brown sugar or a combination of white sugar and a small amount of molasses to replicate the earthy flavor. Start with the same quantity and adjust to taste.

Yes, Agua de Jamaica actually tastes better after it has had some time to chill and allow the flavors to meld. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days, and the flavor may even intensify.

If the drink is too tart for your liking, you can add more sugar to balance it out or add a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors. Some people also add a bit of orange blossom water to reduce the tartness.

Yes, you can experiment with other spices like star anise, ginger, or allspice. Some people even make it with just cinnamon and a few cloves. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

While Agua de Jamaica is traditionally served cold, you can enjoy it hot as well. Simply skip the ice and serve it warm like a herbal tea. It's especially refreshing during colder months.

Yes, Agua de Jamaica is naturally alcohol-free. However, you can make it into a fun cocktail by adding alcohol, such as rum or vodka, for an adult twist.

The deep red color of Agua de Jamaica comes from the hibiscus petals. Hibiscus is naturally rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants responsible for its vibrant hue.

If you have leftover hibiscus petals after straining, you can compost them or use them in other recipes. Some people add them to smoothies, baked goods, or even make a hibiscus syrup.

Comments

LadySparkle

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

AWESOME!! I don't have a gallon pitcher, so I halved the recipe, got a lil too much nutmeg (oops!) still delicious. Going to try to gradually reduce the sugar. Excellent recipe. Thank you SB!! UPDATE: This has become my quaff du summer. In a 1/2 gl pitcher I've reduced the sugar to 1 medium cone of piloncillo and 1/2 c. white sugar. For some added goodness, I've squeezed a lime or two or three in it as well, so refreshing!

EagerTongs2381

05/04/2024 05:51:36 AM

The piloncillos make a very rich and earthy flavor in this tea! I did a full cup of piloncillos and one of white in a double batch. The spices are so aromatic my mouth is watering before I strained the tea and put it over ice. I garnished it with raspberries and a mini watermelon slice! Such a beautiful red! I used pure Hibiscus petals from our local Tienda Mexicana. Delicious and beautiful!

FancySlaw5673

06/22/2024 03:40:10 PM

Absolutely delicious and refreshing! I only added 1/2 c of the sugar and it is delightful and tangy! The piloncillo adds a lovely flavor as well.

Al Webster

05/06/2019 03:04:08 PM

Not liking nutmeg - I eliminated it. I used 1 whole clove and 3 whole all spices. Not liking all the sugar - I used 1/3 as much. Guests, having never had it, were 'tentative' at first but really liked it - with chicken mole, calabacitas, frijoles negro, etc. with tres leches cake for dessert - all for Cinco de Mayo - 2019 . All good

LimeStove1945

03/07/2025 08:45:42 AM

I brew the recipe and add a pinch of mulling spice lime juice fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick with sugar...which ever i have on hand...sometimes a blend...instead of pouring it into a gallon container i simmer and steep it until it resembles simple syrup and pour it into a fifth bottle...diluting and drinking some as well...this way it lasts a long time in the refrigerator and it can be customized for drinks either ice tea or mixed with spiced rum...even tried it with grand mariner both were very good and a little bit novel to the refined pallet. It is hands down a winner in my book.

Victor Facundo

01/05/2018 03:03:45 PM

Thanks for the added tips to lighten the tartness from the tea. I wanted to keep from using sugar at this point to maximize the benefit from the tea, its blood pressure lowering and diabetic properties. Ill add honey to taste.

ShinyTea1127

07/14/2024 06:09:29 PM

After returning from our trip to Mexico, I wanted to keep Jamaica in our fridge for the summer. I don't use the white sugar and have experimented with varying amounts of piloncillo. The current batch is getting a tsp of orange flower water.

Jana

08/08/2024 06:35:50 AM

Oh my goodness, I am now completely addicted to this! The only changes I made are to use whole spices (obviously ground the nutmeg first!), and sadly, no sugar. I am using a stevia blend which suffices for me but it would the a thousand times more delicious with piloncillo. Thank you for this amazing recipe!

Kelley

07/18/2018 05:41:17 AM

Excellent recipe! It’s been especially hot his Summer and this is the perfect drink to cool off. I used 1 cup sugar instead of 1.5 cups. Loved it.

ToastyPasta7359

04/05/2025 05:48:29 PM

There’s no way you need to boil this for 35 minutes. Just pour boiling water over the hibiscus petals. Also you don’t need this much sugar and white sugar, no. Use the piloncillo and agave or maple syrup Use cinnamon sticks or a few cinnamon spice tea bags if you don’t have all the spices.

Troy Spicer

10/30/2021 03:12:16 PM

Very nice! I followed the recipe exactly for 1/2 yield. I may have used a little less cloves, nutmeg and allspice because 1/2 a pinch is subjective and I didn’t want the final drink to taste like a spice cake. Be careful brewing and mixing jamaica because anything it touches stains a beautiful ruby red color.

Denise

08/27/2025 12:24:01 AM

First time making it with all the spices, I have to say I like it! From now on I will make it this way, I can't wait to try it with ice!!

Peter Flygare

07/22/2025 10:13:34 AM

From Sweden. Got the pedals from a friend travelling Mexico. Skipped the allspice and added one dried chili arbol. Switched to european sugar types. The best drink in the heat of the summer!!

Caitlin Woodbury

06/27/2025 12:55:18 AM

My Mexican sister-in-law makes a much simpler version, but I LOVE the spices added to this one. Still experimenting to find the perfect amount of white sugar to add in addition to the piloncillo, and also whether I prefer lime or lemon juice as an addition to cut the sugar and perk it up. . However I make it, it’s always delicious! I’ve shared this recipe with a number of friends. Has anybody ever made a summer punch or cocktail using this as a base? Ideas?

Jeffrey Hernandez

05/15/2025 10:18:34 PM

This recipe is foolproof.

idahogonzalez

04/22/2025 01:03:06 PM

Loved this drink! I felt the balance of spices to sweetness were perfect. I did not add as much water at the final step and left mine stronger, more like a punch than an infused water or light tea. My entire family could not get enough!

Raymond Lopez

12/01/2024 02:12:02 AM

Bro, my friends were blown away.

Ruth Young

11/13/2024 03:25:59 PM

Tried it today — WOW! 😍

Richard Wilson

10/26/2024 10:16:26 AM

This is officially my new go-to recipe.

CopperWhey3917

09/24/2024 01:25:48 AM

My baby girl asked me to make this drink for her and I gotta say maaaaaaaaaan this right here is on point I love it👍🏾

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