Agua de Jamaica (pronounced Hah.my.ka), the hibiscus flower drink or hibiscus tea, is a favorite at parties in Mexico. It’s refreshing and delicious. Its rich, red, festive color goes great with any celebration. Learn how to make it in just minutes. Recipe and video below.
Jamaica is made from dried hibiscus flowers. You can find them in Mexican markets or in the Hispanic foods aisle in supermarkets.
This is how they look dry and then cooked.
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Preparing it couldn’t be easier. Just be aware, the rich, red color can stain, so don’t wear fancy clothes when you are preparing it. And be sure it’s chilled before you serve it.

If you make this agua de jamaica, be sure to snap a photo and share it with us on social media using the #mamalatinatips hashtag. I’d love to see it and have a chance to share it as well.
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Agua de Jamaica, the Hibiscus Flower Drink
It makes approx 18 cups
- 2 cups dry Jamaica (Hibiscus) flowers from the market
- 20 cups of water, divided
- 1 3/4 cups of sugar
Transfer the flowers to a pot, add 6 cups of water, bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.
Add the sugar, mix well until sugar is dissolved. Remove from stove and let it cool, approx 1.5 hours.
Using a colander, pour the Jamaica water into a pitcher, add 14 cups of cold water, taste, and add more sugar or cold water to taste.

Chill it in the fridge or serve with ice and enjoy!
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Recipe updated on August 12th, 2019
Print the Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica) Recipe Below
Agua de Jamaica, the Hibiscus Flower Drink
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry Jamaica Hibiscus flowers from the market
- 20 cups of water divided
- 1 3/4 cups of sugar
- Ice
Utensilios
- Pot
Instructions
- Using a colander, lightly rinse the Jamaica flowers.
- Transfer the flowers to a pot, add 6 cups of water, bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sugar, mix well until sugar is dissolved. Remove from stove and let it cool, approx 1.5 hours.
- Using a colander, pour the Jamaica water into a pitcher, add 14 cups of cold water, taste, and add more sugar or cold water to taste.
- Chill it in the fridge or serve with ice and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Gracias!! Buenisima.
De nada, gracias por probarla.
How gorgeous and refreshing is this drink with hibiscus. I made it for the first time and I loved it. Thanks for sharing.
I love hibiscus, this recipe reminds me that it has been a while I haven’t had a glass of this sweet drink. I love your recipe and sure will give it a try next time.
I have both a written recipe and a video on this drink but mine is the Jamaican version. I love how simple yours is and great for large scale consumption and children as well. Thanks so much for sharing this!
You just brought back memories from my childhood! We used to find hibiscus herbal tea back in Italy and my mom loved to buy it and brew it at home! I wonder if I could get the actual flowers rather than the teabags I used to use in the past. Thank you for the memory, I’m really thirsty for some now!