Agua de Jamaica - Hibiscus flower, tart drink
Agua de Jamaica is a refreshing and slightly tart beverage commonly consumed in Mexico and Central America. It's made from dried hibiscus flowers, which infuse the water with a deep red color and a tangy flavor that is both sweet and tart. The drink is usually served cold over ice and is often sweetened to balance the natural tartness of the flowers. Agua de Jamaica is a popular choice to accompany meals or as a delightful alternative to sugary sodas. It can also be spiced up with ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, or clove for added complexity, or mixed in cocktails for a tropical twist. Description by ChatGPT.
Welcome to a refreshing experience straight from the vibrant streets of Mexico, where the scent of fresh tacos is in the air, and the colors of agua frescas catch your eye. Agua de Jamaica, known for its deep red hue and tangy cranberry-like flavor, is a popular and revitalizing hibiscus iced tea. Follow this simple recipe inspired by Villa Cocina to create your very own batch of this delightful beverage at home. Let's start brewing this perfect sunny-day drink!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers, well-packed
- 10 cups water
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Optional: extra hibiscus flowers for decoration
Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 servings of Agua de Jamaica.
Equipment:
- Pot
- Strainer
- Pitcher
Instructions:
1. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: Plus cooling time (1 hour approx.)
2. Begin by sifting the hibiscus flowers to remove any stems or dust.
3. Rinse the sifted hibiscus briefly under running water to cleanse away excess dust. Stop rinsing once you notice the color start to seep out.
4. In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
6. Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers to the pot, stir, and let them steep at a low simmer for about five minutes. During this time, the flowers will impart their vibrant color and flavor to the water.
7. Turn off the heat and let the mixture steep as it cools to room temperature. This step allows the flavors to deepen and meld.
8. Strain the cooled hibiscus tea into a large pitcher, discarding the flowers or saving a few for garnish if desired.
9. Taste the tea and, if a sweeter flavor is preferred, add more sugar, stirring until it dissolves.
10. Refrigerate the Agua de Jamaica until chilled, or serve immediately over ice.
11. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the hibiscus tea over. Garnish with reserved hibiscus flowers for an extra touch of beauty.
12. Enjoy the refreshing tartness and hydrating goodness of your homemade Agua de Jamaica!
Cooking Tips:
- If you want to avoid any dilution of flavor as the ice melts, serve it in a chilled glass without ice or use ice cubes made from Agua de Jamaica itself.
Recipe by Villa Cocina, visit their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@VillaCocina for more delightful recipes and inspiration.
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