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Friday, July 16, 2010

Quieres Agua de Jamaica?

Agua de Jamaica is another super-refreshing Agua Fresca or Agua Preparada to ease you through these dog days of summer.  Made very similarly to tea...and even simpler than the Agua de Tamarindo, it packs a punch that is bound to make you think of cranberry or pomegranate juice.  it is made using dried Hibiscus flowers.  And while I'm talking about drinking it super cold here...over ice preferably, it is actually a pretty comforting...all warm and floral-y...warm tea, as well.  I was introduced to it by Mexi of course, this was another thing that was just a regular part of life for him.  It is also rumored to be a means of reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol when drunk in quantity...natural medicine, if you will.  I like to brew a couple quarts at a time and use it as a component in other drinks, as well...which I'll be posting very soon!
Agua de Jamaica
from the kitchen of girlichef (although it's made pretty much just like this, with a variation on what type of sugar people use, all around the world)
yield: 1 gallon

1 c. flor de jamaica (dried hibiscus flowers)
1 gallon water
1/2 c. agave nectar

If it is a scorching hot day and the sun is beating down, place the dried hibiscus flowers and the water in a large, glass jug and let it sit in the sun all day to steep...if it's not, or if you're in a hurry, simply put them both in a large pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and let bubble for ~10 minutes.  Let cool a bit, then strain.  Stir in the agave nectar.  Hold under refrigeration and enjoy cold over ice...or reheat and enjoy warm, if you desire.


Would you like to comment?

  1. I wouldn't even know where to find dried hibiscus if I wanted to..and now I absolutely want to! This sounds so refreshing.

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  2. Joanne...I get mine from the Mexican Market...but I'm betting most "ethnic" markets probably carry them!? They're used pretty regularly around the world...

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  3. I'm loving the color of this! Hibiscus makes things so beautiful, don't you think?

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  4. This sounds good. Of course Agua de Tamarindo is so easy around this area I can just open a can of tamarind nector, I even have one in the frige now. :) I was thinking it was hibiscus tea that I didn't care for, but I think it's jasmine tea. Of course that was a long time ago and my tastes have changed along the way. I'll definitely try it. Thanks!

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  5. I just found some hibiscus at the Mexican market in Lexington. I didn't buy it, but next time around I will!! This looks delicious.

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  6. Your blog is so beautiful!
    Amazing food and pictures
    and I think I'm drooling...

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  7. Wow! That sounds very interesting, must be very healthy and refreshing drink.

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  8. Looks fantastic! I'm loving this idea....

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  9. I've tried hibiscus tea before but this agua de Jamaica looks so inviting

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  10. ok wait...what? where's the alcohol?!!! LOL. Its a very pretty drink. What goes best with it? tequila or vodka? :D

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  11. This looks like a lovely change from iced tea. I can imagine how fragrant and refreshing it is.

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  12. Very healthy
    we make it like this
    http://torviewtoronto.blogspot.com/2010/05/hibiscus-tea.html

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  13. Wonderful! I have actually HAD this in Jamaica! hehehe...Hibiscus is very good for you its a blood tonic! Will tweet this for you! HUGS! alex

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  14. wow looks amazing and very refreshing have a lovely weekend

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  15. Glad to know I can find hibiscus in a store - I thought I might need to grow it. ;o)
    I can't wait to try this out, what a nice change from sun-tea. I bet it is good mixed together?

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  16. Looks delicious! I went/am going through a long hibiscus phase--it makes such great drinks and it good for the heart and blood pressure too. ;-) I made a similar one to this with vanilla added that was pretty awesome.

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  17. I absolutely love agua de jamaica! It's one of my favorite drinks. I was first introduced to it when I moved to Mexico six years ago.

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  18. Great idea to have this on ice.
    I only knew the warm herb tea approach. :)

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  19. Dried hibiscus?? I've never seen that before!

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  20. I add 2 TBSP of chopped ginger. I've never used agave nectar - must give it a try.

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  21. @Miko's Girl...ginger sounds like a wonderful addition, I'll try that next time!

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  22. This has become my favorite drink! Thanks for the recipe.

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