Last summer, a small Mexican restaurant opened near my house. The food there is delicious and authentic, but my favorite thing to order is a drink called called "Agua de Jamaica." I had never heard of it before, but I discovered that it is an iced hibiscus tea mixed with spicy and citrus notes. The grandmother working in the restaurant was from Mexico and said that people drink this tea often to help keep up with their gut health. Also, research has indicated that hibiscus tea is associated with maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Ever since I learned how to make this tea, I always have a pitcher of it in my fridge. Around Christmas time, I was listening to a podcast that mentioned this tea was originally made and enjoyed during the holidays. This inspired me to serve this tea hot, which was equally as yummy as it is when iced. Not to mention the beautiful pink color the tea turns while steeping!
YIELDS
4-6 servings
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus leaves
- 6 whole cloves
- 5 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- squeeze orange juice
Directions
1. Bring a tea kettle full of water to a boil.
2. Add the hibiscus leaves, cloves, anise, and cinnamon stick to a strainer that fits your pitcher or place them inside a cheesecloth.
3. Pour the boiling water over the mix and let steep for about 30 minutes.
4. Stir in the grated ginger and sugar.
5. Add the lime juice and the squeeze of orange.
6. Let cool and refrigerate.
7. Serve with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
2. Add the hibiscus leaves, cloves, anise, and cinnamon stick to a strainer that fits your pitcher or place them inside a cheesecloth.
3. Pour the boiling water over the mix and let steep for about 30 minutes.
4. Stir in the grated ginger and sugar.
5. Add the lime juice and the squeeze of orange.
6. Let cool and refrigerate.
7. Serve with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
Also by Lauren: Ginger Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes
Related: Refreshing Cucumber Mule
Strawberry Ginger Kombucha Mocktail
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Photos: Lauren Sacerdote
