Jamaica Concentrate
Elevate your beverage game with this vibrant and tangy Jamaica Concentrate, a traditional Mexican drink base made from dried hibiscus flowers. Bursting with bold floral notes and a ruby-red hue, this versatile concentrate is perfect for creating refreshing aguas frescas, cocktails, or mocktails. Infused with optional hints of citrus peel and a touch of cinnamon, it brings a delightful balance of tartness and subtle spice. With just 5 minutes of prep and a short simmer, you'll have a naturally caffeine-free, flavor-packed concentrate that can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Customize your drinks by diluting it with water or sparkling water, and add a splash of lime juice for an extra zing. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a refreshing twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
- 5 cups water
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 piece cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 piece orange peel or lime peel (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove any dirt or impurities.
In a medium-sized pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed hibiscus flowers, cinnamon stick (if using), and orange or lime peel (if using). Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the hibiscus flowers to release their vibrant color and tart flavor.
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing down on the flowers to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
Return the strained liquid to the pot and stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Heat gently over low heat if needed to help the sugar dissolve completely.
Once the sugar is fully incorporated, let the concentrate cool to room temperature.
Transfer the cooled concentrate to a sterilized glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To serve, dilute 1 part Jamaica Concentrate with 3–4 parts cold water or sparkling water. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more sugar or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1400 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 52 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 360.2 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 333.1 g | ||
| Protein | 2.3 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1183 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 43.5 mg | 242% | |
| Potassium | 69 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
