On a recent trip to Arizona during a heat wave, I was reminded how much I love Agua de Jamaica or cold hibiscus tea. After spending the day at Slide Rock State Park in 104 degree weather, my family and I headed into Sedona to eat at a locally owned Mexican restaurant. We ordered Jamaica along with our food. The drinks were in the biggest cup imaginable holding about four cups of Jamaica! It took us two days just to finish our drinks. The funny part of this story is that the drinks cost as much as the food. It was definitely worth it because it satisfied our thirst for days.
When I was younger my step-grandfather, Andres, made agua de jamaica, horchata, and other agua de frescas for us grandkids. My grandma would get us to drink hibiscus tea by adding sweetener and telling us that Jamaica makes our kidneys strong. Later I discovered that hibiscus (jamaica) can act as a diuretic. I had no idea what my grandma was talking about but knew that it had to be good for you plus it had a nice tart flavor.
Benefits of Hibiscus
In addition to cooling the body down, hibiscus tea has other benefits like it’s a natural source of vitamin C. Similar to summer fruits such as berries and plums, hibiscus’ beautiful red color indicates that it is high in beta-carotene which provides Vitamin A. This tea has been used as a traditional medicine by many cultures worldwide for a variety of symptoms like constipation, high blood pressure, colds, inflammation, wounds, circulation and liver conditions. According to The Joyful Belly: School of Ayurvedic Diet and Digestion, “The astringency of hibiscus reduces inflammation in the skin and digestive track, bringing cooling relief.”
Making Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea can be brewed in different ways, boiling, sun tea or a cold infusion. This recipe is an herbal tea infusion that I prepare the night before and place it overnight in the refrigerator. This method can also be done by leaving it on the counter for a room temperature tea. Dried hibiscus flowers or jamaica can be found in Mexican markets. I purchase from https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/. I enjoy adding other herbs into this tea like mint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, spearmint, rose petals, or any other favorite herb.
Tea Recipe
Hibiscus Tea Infusion (Cold Brew):
Equipment
- Quart size Mason Jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 sprig of Lemon Verbena
- 1 sprig of Lemon Balm
Instructions
- Place hibiscus flowers in an empty quart size mason jar.
- Add water, cinnamon stick, and herbs of choice.
- Cover mason jar with lid. Place in the refrigerator or on the countertop overnight or up to 12 hours.
- Add Maple, Lime, and Mint Simple Syrup to taste.
Simple Syrup Recipe
Maple, Lime, and Mint Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Vegetable Peeler
- Small Saucepan
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves
- 1 Lime zest and juice
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler, peel the zest of the lime, and set aside. Juice lime and set aside.
- Place maple syrup, water, mint, and lime zest into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium/medium low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the ingredients infuse for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the lime juice.
- Strain into a clean jar and refrigerate. Syrup lasts for one month in the fridge or freezes into ice cubes for up to 6 months.