Teresa's Recipes
Jamaica Flower Iced Tea
Experience the vibrant flavors of the tropics with this refreshing Jamaica Flower Iced Tea, made from dried hibiscus flowers. Known for its deep red hue and tangy taste, this iced tea not only quenches your thirst but also provides a burst of antioxidants. Traditionally enjoyed in various cultures, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean, this drink is perfect for hot summer days or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Serve it garnished with fresh lime slices for an extra zing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Jamaica flowers (hibiscus)
- 4 cups Water
- 1/2 cup (adjust to taste) Sugar
- 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed) Lime juice
- as needed Ice cubes
- for garnish Fresh lime slices
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Beverage
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 21g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- Rinse the dried Jamaica flowers under cold water to remove any impurities.
- In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the rinsed Jamaica flowers and sugar to the boiling water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing on the flowers to extract all the flavorful juice.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and mix well.
- Refrigerate the tea until thoroughly chilled, about 1-2 hours.
- Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses, garnished with fresh lime slices for a refreshing touch.
Tips
- For a sweeter version, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup or use honey as a natural sweetener.
- Experiment by adding a few mint leaves during the simmering process for a delightful minty twist.
- You can also blend the iced tea with sparkling water for a fizzy version.