Artificial Food Coloring Free Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica)
That deep crimson color you see in the glass? It comes entirely from dried hibiscus flowers ā no dyes, no additives, nothing artificial. For anyone avoiding synthetic food colorings, this drink is a genuine win because the vivid hue is purely natural, coaxed out of the flowers during a gentle simmer with water, sugar, and a single cinnamon stick. The result is tart, floral, and lightly spiced in a way that feels both refreshing and a little sophisticated. Served over ice with a squeeze of lime, it's the kind of drink that looks like it came from a restaurant but takes almost no effort to pull off at home. Store-bought fruit punches and flavored drinks are notorious for hiding artificial colorings behind vague ingredient labels, so making your own concentrate from scratch puts you completely in control. The recipe scales easily, keeps well in the fridge, and is just as good sipped on a hot afternoon as it is alongside a full meal.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more āIngredients
6 servings
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)
- Ā½ cup granulated sugar, or more to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick
For the concentrate
- 4 cups water
For diluting
- 2 cups cold water, for diluting
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the dried hibiscus flowers, 4 cups water, sugar, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring once or twice until the sugar dissolves.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8ā10 minutes, until the liquid is deeply colored and fragrant.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!