Agua de Jamaica
Hibiscus Cooler
Dried hibiscus flowers steep in cinnamon- and orange-peel-scented boiling water for a deep-ruby, tart concentrate that's diluted, chilled, and served over ice with lime.
Agua de Jamaica
✦ Antes de Empezar
Before you cook
What can I do with the strained hibiscus flowers instead of tossing them?
Don't discard them — the spent flowers can be sautéed with onion and chile and used as a tangy taco filling.
Ingredientes· 4View
The Brew
- 1.5 cupsDried Hibiscus Flowers (Flor de Jamaica)
- 8 cupsWaterdivided
- 1Mexican Cinnamon Stickoptional, for warm spice note
The Sweetener
- 3/4 cupGranulated Sugaradjust to taste (hibiscus is very tart)
Instrucciones
6 pasosEnjuaga la jamaica
Rinse the hibiscus
Rinse the hibiscus flowers quickly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any dust.
Hierve con especias
Boil with spices
Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil with the cinnamon and orange peel, if using. Add the hibiscus, return just to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Deja reposar
Steep the hibiscus
Cover and steep for 15 to 20 minutes — the longer it steeps, the stronger the tannins and the more astringent the drink.
Cuela el concentrado
Strain the concentrate
Strain into a heatproof pitcher, pressing lightly on the flowers without crushing them.
Endulza y diluye
Sweeten and dilute
Stir in the sugar while the concentrate is still warm, then add the remaining 4 cups cold water.
Enfría y sirve
Chill and serve
Chill thoroughly. Taste and dilute or sweeten as needed, then serve over ice with lime.
Authentic Culinary Gear for this Recipe
Heritage Mexican cooking relies on dedicated craft tools to develop authentic blisters, toasts, and emulsified textures.
10.5" Heavy Cast Iron Comal
Distributes high, dry radiant heat for charring poblanos, toasting chiles, and warming tortillas.
Cast Iron Tortilla Press (8")
Heavy calibrated leverage to press fresh heirloom masa dough into thin, supple rounds with zero sticking.
Heirloom Masa & Dried Chiles
Single-origin Mexican dried chiles (Ancho, Guajillo, Pasilla) and heirloom nixtamalized corn masa.
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