Is Mexican hibiscus tea good for you?

Yes, it really is. Mexican hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free, hydrating, and full of antioxidants. It’s known to help support digestion and heart health. My family has always turned to it as a gentle way to cool the body and settle the stomach. Plus, unlike soda or store-bought juice, you can control the sweetness and ingredients.

What is Mexican hibiscus tea called?

It’s called Agua de Jamaica in Spanish. “Jamaica” refers to the hibiscus flower (specifically Hibiscus sabdariffa), which is steeped in hot water to create this vibrant red tea. Though pronounced “hah-MY-kah,” it has nothing to do with the island—this name is all about the plant and its place in traditional Mexican recipes .

Why do Mexicans drink hibiscus tea?

We drink it for the flavor, the health benefits, and the connection to our roots. In Mexico, it’s common to find hibiscus flower tea served at lunch with tacos, pozole, or even pan dulce. It’s part of our daily rhythm—a cooling drink that brings people together around the table.

What do Mexicans use hibiscus for?

Beyond tea, Mexican cooks use hibiscus in creative ways. The softened petals left over from making Mexican hibiscus tea are often used in vegan tacos, empanadas, or even jam. I sometimes sauté them with onion and garlic for a tangy taco filling—it’s surprisingly good and reduces waste.

Mexican Hibiscus Tea Recipe – The Healing 2025 Summer Drink

Description

This traditional Mexican hibiscus tea (agua de jamaica) is known for its deep red color, tart flavor, and refreshing taste. Enjoy it chilled on hot days or warm in winter.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried hibiscus petals (flor de jamaica)
4 cups boiling water
4 cups cold water
½–¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Optional: cinnamon stick, lime juice, thinly sliced ginger

Instructions

Rinse the dried hibiscus petals thoroughly.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Add hibiscus petals and optional cinnamon or ginger.
Turn off heat, cover, and steep for 15–20 minutes.
Strain into a large pitcher.
Add 4 cups cold water and sugar to taste.
Chill and serve over ice. Optional: garnish with lime slice or cinnamon stick.

Notes

To make hibiscus tea with fresh flowers, pick 6–8 hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, separate and rinse petals, steep in 4 cups hot water, strain, sweeten, and chill.

How to pick the best fresh hibiscus flowers:

Look for bright, firm, and vibrant red calyces.
Avoid wilted or dull-colored petals.
Harvest in the morning for the freshest blooms.
Use only edible varieties, like Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 70
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: agua de jamaica, hibiscus tea, Mexican drink, flor de jamaica