Agua Fresca de Jamaica
Updated Oct. 26, 2022
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Ingredients
- 2ounces (about 1 cup) dried hibiscus calyxes also called flor de jamaica, available in Latin American stores
- 10allspice berries, coarsely cracked optional
- Sugar or agave syrup
Preparation
- Step 1
Place the hibiscus in a bowl, rinse thoroughly with cold water, and drain. Cover with 4 cups cold water, add allspice berries, if using, and soak for 4 to 12 hours. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing firmly and then discarding solids. Add 4 cups water and then sweeten to taste with sugar or agave syrup.
Private Notes
Comments
I love this and make it all the time. Some of the hibiscus flowers I buy are full of sand. Rinsing helps, but I also strain the liquid through cheese cloth. Also, the sand sinks to the bottom during steeping, so I slowly pour out the contents of the pot, minus the last tablespoon or so, which is where the sand ends up. Another idea is to store it sweetened but not diluted with the extra water. Then it can be mixed with seltzer when served, which makes a wonderful drink.
Easy, sour and delicious. It resembles wine and is a perfect substitute for wine for those who don't drink or are trying to cut down on alcohol consumption. Worth making often!
I've been making this as a sun tea....in a glass pitcher, out in the sun for a number of hours. Works perfectly.
I love this and make it all the time. Some of the hibiscus flowers I buy are full of sand. Rinsing helps, but I also strain the liquid through cheese cloth. Also, the sand sinks to the bottom during steeping, so I slowly pour out the contents of the pot, minus the last tablespoon or so, which is where the sand ends up. Another idea is to store it sweetened but not diluted with the extra water. Then it can be mixed with seltzer when served, which makes a wonderful drink.
Honey simple syrup was also a good sweetener.
Use 2 c water instead of four. Used 3/4 c sugar. Steeped 12 hrs