Refreshing Agua de Jamaica Recipe Easy Homemade Budget-Friendly Hibiscus Juice
A simple, budget-friendly homemade hibiscus juice that is tart, sweet, and refreshing, perfect for hot days and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (25 grams) dried hibiscus flowers (Flor de Jamaica)
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup (100–150 grams) sugar, adjust to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons or 30 ml)
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or 2-3 whole cloves for spice twist
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup (25 grams) of dried hibiscus flowers under cold water to remove dust or debris.
- Bring 8 cups (1.9 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot (about 5-7 minutes).
- Turn off heat and add rinsed hibiscus flowers to the water. Cover and steep for 15-20 minutes until water turns deep ruby red.
- Strain the hibiscus infusion through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently to extract liquid without pushing flower bits.
- While still warm, stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Let the drink cool to room temperature, then stir in juice from 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled over ice with a lime wedge garnish if desired.
Notes
Do not oversteep hibiscus flowers to avoid bitterness; 15-20 minutes is ideal. Strain twice if sediment is present for a smoother drink. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Can add sparkling water before serving for a fizzy twist. Store refrigerated up to 4 days and stir before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz or 240 m
- Calories: 6090
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1523
Keywords: agua de jamaica, hibiscus juice, refreshing drink, homemade beverage, Mexican drink, hibiscus tea, summer drink, budget-friendly