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Agua de Jamaica

Name: Agua de Jamaica
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 6 hibiscus tea bags; 5 cups water, divided; 1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 cup rum, optional; Mint sprigs, optional

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + chilling

Makes

6 servings

This agua de Jamaica recipe features an iced tea made from hibiscus—tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Agua de Jamaica Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 6 hibiscus tea bags
5 cups water, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup rum, optional
Mint sprigs, optional

Directions

Rinse flowers in cold water. In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups water, flowers and lime zest. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Strain mixture, discarding flowers and zest; transfer to a large bowl. Add sugar and remaining water, stirring until sugar is dissolved. If desired, stir in rum. Refrigerate until cold. Add mint sprigs if desired.

Agua de Jamaica Tips

Is hibiscus tea the same as agua de Jamaica?

Agua de Jamaica refers to this specific blend of ingredients with hibiscus tea. You can find different versions of hibiscus tea around the globe. In Italy, it is called carcadè and made with sugar and lemon juice. In Thailand, you will find it labeled as roselle, often sweetened with fruit juices. We tested this recipe with Tazo passion tea, one of our favorite iced tea bags.

Is agua de Jamaica good for you?

Agua de Jamaica is loaded with antioxidants because of the tea and ginger. Hibiscus has been found to help lower blood pressure, while ginger can help with gut health. But if you’re worried about your blood pressure or blood sugar, you may want to monitor the amount of tea you drink. (Learn more about the health benefits of ginger.)

What is the best time to drink hibiscus tea?

Like other refreshing ice tea recipes, agua de Jamaica is the perfect beverage to go with lunch or a day at the beach. Unlike chamomile or some other teas, it won’t make you feel sleepy. Add the optional rum for cocktail hour with friends!

Research contributed by Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 67 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.