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Agua de jamaica recipe

Agua de Jamaica, also known as hibiscus iced tea, is a vibrant and refreshing Mexican agua fresca. Made with just dried hibiscus flowers, sweetener, and water, this tart and slightly sweet beverage is the perfect way to cool down. Serve it over ice with a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

Equipment Needed

  • Stockpot
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cups
  • Pitcher or large mason jar
  • Ice cube trays

Ingredients

(Adjust quantities using 1x, 2x, or 3x based on servings)

  • 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (flor de Jamaica)
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 cup cane sugar (or to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 whole cinnamon stick
  • Fresh ginger slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Orange wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hibiscus Concentrate:
In a large stockpot, combine water, dried hibiscus flowers, and any optional add-ins like cinnamon or ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Sweeten and Cool:
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, during which the hibiscus flowers will sink to the bottom

Step 3: Strain and Dilute:
Once cooled, pour the mixture through a mesh strainer into a pitcher or large mason jar to remove the flowers and any add-ins. Add an additional 3–4 cups of water to dilute the concentrate (adjust to taste) and stir well.

Step 4: Serve:
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the agua de Jamaica, and garnish with a lime or orange wedge for added zest. Enjoy immediately!

    NOTES:

    • Enhance with Citrus: A splash of fresh lime or lemon juice can amplify the refreshing flavor.
    • Cooling Time: Letting the mixture cool fully enhances the infusion process.
    • Repurpose Hibiscus Flowers: After straining, the flowers can be reused as a meat substitute in tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas.
    • Flavor Boost: Adding a cinnamon stick or fresh ginger can introduce a warm, aromatic layer to complement the tartness.
    • Dilution Tip: Taste-test while diluting and adjust based on your preferred intensity.

    TIPS:

    • Keep the pot at a gentle simmer to avoid boiling over or evaporating too much liquid.
    • Adjust sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
    • Nutritional values are approximate and not a substitute for dietary advice.

    Happy sipping! 🌺

    DIY CHAMOMILE AND COCONUT OIL BODY BALM

    Chamomile is one of my favorite herbs to incorporate into DIY beauty products. Its use in skincare dates back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Even today, chamomile remains a popular choice for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. In this balm recipe, we infuse coconut oil with chamomile over several hours to create a nourishing and skin-loving blend.

    “Olive oil is blended with coconut oil to add extra softness, while yellow beeswax provides structure and ensures the balm stays solid in warmer temperatures. If you live in a particularly hot climate, consider adding more beeswax to raise the melting point. Prefer a softer balm? Simply reduce the amount of beeswax.

    To test the balm’s consistency before pouring it into containers, try the frozen spoon trick—it’s a quick and effective way to check the texture when cooled. In our tests, this balm begins to melt at around 100°F.

    Want even more ways to incorporate chamomile into your skincare routine? Explore the recipes below!”

    Top Row: Chamomile Oat Melt & Pour Bars, Lavender & Chamomile Goat Milk Bath Tea
    Bottom Row: Soothing Eye Tea, Yellow Chamomile Cold Process Soap

    What You’ll Need:
    3 Candle Tins
    12 oz. Coconut Oil (10 oz. infused coconut oil)
    0.5 oz. Chamomile Herb
    2 oz. Olive Oil
    1 oz. Yellow Beeswax

    STEP 1: To begin, infuse the coconut oil with chamomile. In a heat-safe container, add 12 ounces of coconut oil and heat it in the microwave until it reaches approximately 150°F. You’ll only need 10 ounces of infused coconut oil for this recipe, but some oil will be absorbed or lost during the straining process. Be cautious when handling the hot container. Add the chamomile herb to the oil and let it steep for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the beneficial properties of the chamomile to infuse fully. If the coconut oil solidifies as it cools, simply reheat it in the microwave to maintain a liquid state. Alternatively, you can use a crockpot to keep the oil at a consistent temperature during the infusion process.

    STEP 2: After the infusion process, strain the coconut oil to remove the chamomile herb. Use a fine mesh strainer lined with a paper towel to ensure all small pieces are filtered out. You may need to repeat this step for thorough straining. Once strained, weigh the remaining oil. Some coconut oil will be absorbed by the chamomile or lost during the straining process, which is why extra oil was infused. For this recipe, you need 10 ounces of infused coconut oil. If you have less than that, supplement with un-infused coconut oil until you reach the required amount.

    STEP 3: Combine the beeswax and olive oil with the infused coconut oil in a heat-safe container. Heat the mixture in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts, stirring between intervals, until the beeswax is fully melted. Beeswax has a high melting point, so handle the container with caution—it will become very hot. Avoid using a glass container with excessive empty space, as the heat can cause it to crack or even explode. Once the beeswax is melted, carefully remove the container from the microwave, ensuring safe handling of the hot mixture.

    STEP 4: Stir the melted mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, then pour it into the candle tins. Let the balm cool and harden completely, which may take several hours. Once set, you can use the balm by rubbing your fingers on the surface to warm and slightly melt it, then apply it to your skin wherever needed.

    CONCLUSION

    This DIY Chamomile & Coconut Oil Body Balm is a simple, soothing, and natural way to nourish your skin. Infused with chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties and combined with the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax, this balm provides a perfect balance of softness and firmness. Whether you’re battling dry skin or just need a gentle, all-natural remedy, this balm is an easy and effective solution. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a skin-loving product that’s both practical and luxurious. Enjoy the calming benefits of chamomile in your skincare routine!