Hibiscus and Lemon Tea (Agua de Jamaica con Limón)
This vibrant, ruby-red herbal tea is both refreshing and packed with flavor. Tart hibiscus flowers are balanced with fresh lemon juice and just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it hot or iced!
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Steeping Time: 15-30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Tea:
· ½ cup (about 20g) dried hibiscus flowers (also called “Jamaica”)
· 4 cups water
· 2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
· 1-2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
· 4-5 whole cloves (optional)
For Serving:
· ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
· Lemon slices for garnish
· Fresh mint leaves (optional)
· Ice cubes (for iced version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Base:
· In a medium saucepan, combine dried hibiscus flowers, water, and spices if using (cinnamon sticks and cloves).
· Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
· Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
· Remove from heat and stir in your preferred sweetener until dissolved.
- Steep and Strain:
· Cover the pot and let steep for 15-30 minutes (longer steeping = stronger flavor).
· Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the hibiscus flowers to extract all the liquid.
· Discard the spent flowers and spices.
- Add Lemon and Serve:
· Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon as needed.
· For hot tea: Serve immediately in mugs, garnished with lemon slices.
· For iced tea: Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Variations & Tips:
· Sparkling Version: Mix 1 part concentrated hibiscus tea with 1 part sparkling water
· Herbal Boost: Add fresh ginger slices during brewing
· Berry Twist: Muddle fresh raspberries or strawberries in the glass before adding tea
· Less Sweet: Start with 1 tablespoon sweetener and add more to taste
· Concentrate: Make a double-strength brew to keep in fridge; dilute with water when serving
· Mexican Style: Add a pinch of chili powder for a sweet-spicy version
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after 1-2 days!
Enjoy this beautiful, antioxidant-rich tea that’s naturally caffeine-free and perfect any time of day! The tart hibiscus and bright lemon create a perfectly balanced, refreshing beverage.