Jamaica Iced tea, made with the infusion of the hibiscus flower

Jamaica Iced Tea

Jamaica iced tea is a tart, refreshing tea, perfect for a sweltering August afternoon in DC. The tea is made from the blossoms of a Jamaica plant, also known as hibiscus. I stumbled upon this tea after a local tea company gave out samples at our farmers’ market. I had no trouble finding a recipe, but it was a little trickier finding dried Jamaica blossoms. After checking the usual haunts, Whole Foods & Safeway, I found a big bag for sale at the Mexican grocery store down the street.

Jamaica Iced tea, made with the infusion of the hibiscus flower

The tea can be adjusted to your liking. Add more water, or sugar to adjust the tartness and strength. You want it to be a little tart, since you serve it with ice which will water it down. While the tea has a brilliant scarlet color, it can stain just about anything it touches, including wooden spoons, plastic containers…and you! Don’t say you were not warned. I used a stainless steel pot, silicon stirrer and a glass container to store it.

Jamaica Iced Tea

From: 101 Cookbooks.com

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup dried Jamaica flowers
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • At least 3 cups of cold water
  • More sugar to taste
  • 1 lime, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.
  2. Remove water from heat and add the dried flowers and sugar. Place a lid over the pot and steep for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice along the way to break down the sugar granules.
  3. Add the 3 cups of cold water. Pour the infusion through a strainer into a pitcher or jug. Taste and add more sugar or water if you think it is too strong or tart.
  4. Cool completely and serve with plenty of ice in a glass garnished with a slice of lime.

3 thoughts on “Jamaica Iced Tea

  1. In Jamaica they make this very sweet with fresh sorrel. I suggest adding a few cinnamon sticks to the infusion while brewing.

    I make a great Christmas rum punch with this tea, cinnamon and Captain Morgans rum. Everyone LOVES it.

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