Hello! If you didn’t already know, it is Caribbean Heritage Month, meaning we are bringing you so cool island content this month…..like we do every month! But I wanted to focus so of my summer recipes on a few of my favorite childhood treats. This bright red refresher is one is at the top of my summer must drink list!
Tart and refreshing, Jamaican Hibiscus Tea (also known as Agua de Jamaica) is one of the most popular drinks around the world. Hibiscus trees grow in tropical and semi-tropical climates, and you can find them at most ethnic and farmers markets in Miami and Los Angeles. I personally love the zingy taste of hibiscus tea and its beautiful ruby red color! It has quite a few health benefits as well. In most cases, this drink is best when served cold, but there are some people who also like it as a hot tea. Whichever you prefer, this Jamaica Hibiscus Tea recipe is easy to make and a great summer drink!
What is does:
High in Vitamin C
Natural diuretic
Lowers blood pressure
High in antioxidants
Maintains cholesterol levels
What you need (Use organics!):
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 8 cups (2 quarts) water
- 2 thin slices of ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 juiced lime (optional)
- Brown sugar or stevia to sweeten to your liking
To create:
- Heat 4 cups (1 quart) water in medium saucepan
- Add in hibiscus (if you can use a tea bag or tea strainer) and allow tea to diffuse
- Lower heat and add in ginger slices and cinnamon sticks
- Let sit for at least 20 mins (if you have a tea diffuser as in my photos you can simply add the hibiscus, ginger and cinnamon to the strainer and pour hot water over it – I let mine sit for an hour)
- Strain and remove hibiscus, ginger and cinnamon sticks
- Add in sugar or stevia to taste and allow to dissolve
- Add in remaining 4 cups of water
- For a more tart and punch like flavor, add lime
- Pour over ice and serve
- Enjoy!
