This Agua de Jamaica, or Jamaica drink, is a simple, traditional Mexican drink made with dried hibiscus flowers. Recognizable by its bright red color, tart taste, and cooling properties, it is consumed on sweltering days or in concert with savory dishes. Jamaica drink can also be sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon or ginger, making it every bit as versatile (and tasty) as it sounds, perfect for those who enjoy a bold fruity flavor.
How to Make Homemade Jamaica Drink
To prepare Jamaica drink, boil dried hibiscus flower buds in water so that they rehydrate, strain the liquid, sweeten to taste, and allow it to chill. Pour over ice, adding extra cinnamon, ginger or lime juice if desired. This simple recipe makes a bright, invigorating drink.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hibiscus flowers, dried
- 8 cups Water
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoon Juice of fresh lime
- Ice as needed
Instructions
- Boil the Hibiscus Flowers: In a large pot bring 4 cups of water to boil. Twist off and remove the lid from the container, add dried hibiscus flowers and an optional cinnamon stick. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Straining the Mixture: Remove the pot from heat, and strain the liquid into a large pitcher, discarding the flowers and cinnamon stick.
- Sweeten the Drink: When the strained liquid is still warm, add sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Dilute and Cool: Pour in the remaining 4 cups of water, and allow the drink to cool to room temperature.
- Serve: Pour over ice and squeeze in a little lime juice, if you like.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Jamaica: Served over ice in a clear glass so you can appreciate its gorgeous ruby color.
- Spiced Version: Float a cinnamon stick or star anise on top for a warming twist.
- Citrus Infusion: Add a slice of orange or a piece of lemon for even more tang.
- Cocktail Buddy: Combine with sparkling water or rum for a merry grown-up drink.
- Frozen: Pour into popsicle molds to freeze for a refreshing summer treat.
Tips and Variations
- Modify Sweetness: Begin with less sugar, and gradually increase to your taste.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a slice of fresh ginger or a splash of vanilla extract for something different.
- Make it Fizzy: Mix with sparkling water for a bubbly option.
- Herbal Infusion: Steep with fresh mint or basil leaves for bonus complexity.
- Try Other Sweeteners: Use honey, agave, or stevia in place of sugar.
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (includes 5 minutes to boil the dried hibiscus flowers)
- Serving Size: Serves 6
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 60-80
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugars: 14g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredient Substitutes
- Dried Hibiscus Flowers: Use hibiscus tea bags instead if you cannot find dried flowers.
- Sugar: Add honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative for a different sweetness profile.
- Cinnamon Stick: Ground cinnamon may work, in small enough quantities.
- Lime Juice: You can substitute lemon juice or orange juice.
- Ice: You can add frozen pieces of fruit, such as berries or mango chunks, for a fruity twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jamaica’s drink taste like?
It’s tart and fruity, like cranberry juice, with a hint of floral.
Can I make Jamaica drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Add ice just before serving.
Is Jamaica’s drink healthy?
Yes, it contains lots of antioxidants and vitamin C, and you can modify the sugar level to make it even healthier.
Is it possible to use fresh hibiscus flowers?
Dried flowers are standard but fresh hibiscus can work, just use more.
Is Jamaica drink caffeine-free?
Yes, it’s naturally caffeine-free, so it’s a fine option for all ages.
Conclusion
The Jamaica drink is a lively, refreshing beverage that’s simple to prepare and utterly up to interpretation. It has a bold, tart flavor, and it’s stunning. Served either as a cool beverage on a hot day or enlivened with spices and garnishes, this hibiscus-based drink is certain to wow.
Jamaica Drink Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Boil the Hibiscus Flowers
In a large pot, add dried hibiscus flowers and an optional cinnamon stick. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Straining the Mixture
Remove the pot from heat, and strain the liquid into a large pitcher, discarding the flowers and cinnamon stick.
Sweeten the Drink
When the strained liquid is still warm, add sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Dilute and Cool
Pour in the remaining 4 cups of water, and allow the drink to cool to room temperature.
Serve
Pour over ice and squeeze in a little lime juice, if you like.
