Dive into the authentic Mexican taste with this Agua de Jamaica recipe, a beverage known for its sweet yet tart flavor, offering a refreshing companion to your meal. This beverage, brimming with a vibrant red hue, is not only tantalizing but also packs potential health benefits attributed to its main ingredient—hibiscus flowers.
A stirring utensil like a wooden spoon or a spatula
A heat-resistant pitcher
A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid
A measuring cup
Measuring Spoons:
A refrigerator for chilling (optional but recommended)
Glasses for serving
Ingredients
2cupsdried hibiscus flowers
2quartswater
½ to 1cupsugaradjust to taste
Instructions
Hibiscus Concentrate:
In a large pot, combine 2 quarts of water and 2 cups of dried hibiscus flowers, stirring to ensure the flowers are fully submerged in the water.
2 quarts water, 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
Allow the hibiscus flowers to start absorbing the water for about 2 minutes, ensuring optimal flavor extraction.
Place the pot on high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let the concentrate cool down.
Preparing the Beverage:
Take about ⅓ of the hibiscus concentrate and pour it into a half-gallon pitcher.
Add sugar to the pitcher, according to your sweetness preference.
½ to 1 cup sugar
Fill up the rest of the pitcher with cool water and stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Refrigerate until chilled or serve over ice immediately.
Notes
Optional Add-in: Introduce a cinnamon stick to the water while it's steeping for an added layer of flavor.
Alternative Sweeteners: If you prefer, replace sugar with other sweetening agents like piloncillo or agave syrup for a different taste profile.
Storage: The hibiscus concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it is in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing flavors from other foods.
Health Consideration:
Consumers with underlying health conditions, especially those with high blood pressure, should consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating this beverage into their regular diet due to its diuretic properties.
Moderate consumption is advised, with continuous monitoring for any adverse effects or changes in blood pressure levels.
Nutrition
Calories: 50kcal
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