Agua de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea)
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If you’ve ever eaten at a Mexican restaurant, you’ve probably seen this vibrant red drink on the menu, Agua de Jamaica! Served ice cold, this tangy hibiscus tea is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Hibiscus Iced Tea
This traditional Mexican drink is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and tastes incredible. Made with just three main ingredients, Agua de Jamaica is naturally caffeine-free, slightly tart, and refreshingly floral.
What is Agua de Jamaica?
Agua de Jamaica is a type of agua fresca made from dried hibiscus flowers. While hibiscus isn’t native to Mexico, it was introduced during the colonial period, it quickly became a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine.
You’ll find this hibiscus tea served everywhere from street food stalls to family gatherings. It’s also used in paletas (Mexican popsicles), desserts, and cocktails.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Naturally plant-based and caffeine-free.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, add spice, or turn it into popsicles!
- Made with just 3 ingredients, no artificial flavors.
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with instructions below.
- Dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica): The star of the drink.
- Water: Boiled and steeped with the petals.
- Sweetener: I used brown sugar, but you can swap with honey, agave, or even add lime juice for tartness.
- Spices: Ginger slices, cloves, and a cinnamon stick add warmth and depth.
- Add-ins: I used orange slices to add citrusy notes to the tea, but lemon can also be used.
How to Make Agua de Jamaica
Start by giving the dried hibiscus petals a quick rinse under cool water this will remove any dust or bits from the packaging.
Next, bring a big pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the hibiscus petals along with the add-ins, ginger slices, whole cloves, a cinnamon stick and a few slices of orange for a citrusy twist.
Turn the heat down and let everything simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. The color will deepen into a beautiful ruby red and the flavors will start to bloom.
Take the pot off the heat and stir in your sweetener while it’s still warm so it fully dissolves. Then let the tea cool to room temperature, this gives it time to mellow and develop even more flavor.
Once it’s cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to catch all the petals and spices. Pour it into a pitcher and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice and add a slice of orange or a sprig of mint for a little something extra. So refreshing!
Recipe Variations
- Customize spices: Leave out what you like or add more in of what you love.
- Less sweet: Use less sugar or skip it altogether and add fresh lime.
- Stronger flavor: Add more hibiscus petals when steeping.
- Frozen treats: Freeze into molds for hibiscus paletas.
- Warm version: Serve hot in cooler months like an herbal tea.
More Refreshing Drinks
Agua de Jamaica (Iced Hibiscus Tea)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried hibiscus petals (sorrel)
- 8 cups water
- 2-3 slices fresh ginger
- 5 cloves , whole
- 1 orange , sliced (optional)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar , adjust to taste
- ice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the hibiscus and spices: Rinse the dried hibiscus petals under cool water to remove any dust or impurities.
- Boil the ingredients: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the hibiscus petals, ginger slices, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange slices (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Sweeten and infuse: After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Strain: Once cooled, strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the hibiscus petals, spices, and ginger slices.
- Chill and serve: Transfer the strained tea to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange slice or a sprig of mint if desired.
FAQs
Yes! It’s delicious unsweetened, especially with a splash of lime or lemon juice.
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better chilled. Make it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.
Look for flor de jamaica at Latin American markets (supermercados), health food stores, or online retailers like Amazon.
Keep it refrigerated for up to 7–10 days. Or pour into ice cube trays and freeze for longer storage.
