Agua de Jamaica is a typical drink of Central America and the Caribbean. In practice, it is a tea extracted from karkadè glasses. When served cold it is very refreshing, while when it is hot it turns out to be a relaxing herbal tea. However, the cold version is more common.
Karkadè has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and its tea is known in Central America as "agua fresco" ("fresh water") meaning that it is very cheap. It has been shown to help lower blood pressure thanks to its mild diuretic effect. It is a ruby red drink that is beautiful to look at.
Ingrediants
To prepare about 2 liters of agua de Jamaica:
- 1/2 cup goblets of dried karkadè ("Flor de Jamaica")
- 1, 8 liters of water
- Sugar (about 100 gr but still to taste)
- OPTIONAL: rum, ginger, lime slices for garnish
Steps
Step 1. Bring 900ml of water to a boil
Step 2. Add ½ cup of Flor de Jamaica and 50g of sugar
If you also want ginger, add it now to taste.
Step 3. Let the mixture boil for 2 minutes and stir occasionally
Step 4. Cover the pot and leave to infuse for 10 minutes
Step 5. Filter the infusion into a separate container and add the remaining 900 ml of cold water, stirring
If you want a rum fix, it's time to add it.
Step 6. If you want to serve it right away, pour it over a glass filled with ice
Otherwise, let it cool in the refrigerator until it's time to drink.
Step 7. Enjoy your exotic drink
Advice
- "Flor de Jamaica" is the name given in Central America to the glasses of karkadè. It is often referred to simply as "Jamaica" in Mexican grocery stores. You can also find it under the name of "sorrell", "saril" or "roselle" just to give a few examples.
- As mentioned earlier, it is a drink that is often served cold. If served hot, the sugar can overpower the karkadé's natural acidity, so sweeten to your taste.
