Gluten-Free Hibiscus Agua Fresca
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
The vibrant, tart-sweet essence of hibiscus in this refreshing agua fresca. This invigorating beverage offers a beautiful ruby hue and a light, cooling sensation, perfect for a warm day or a flavorful alternative to sugary drinks.
At a glance: This easy drinks and smoothies recipe yields 2 servings in about 25 minutes (5 min prep, 20 min cook). It uses 5 ingredients — including water, dried hibiscus flowers, granulated sugar or to taste — and walks through 4 steps. Updated . Browse more drinks and smoothies recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Hibiscus Agua Fresca: When preparing this drinks and smoothies recipe, in a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Hibiscus Agua Fresca: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always ensure that any added sugars or flavorings are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 0.5 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar or to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine the 4 cups of water and the 0.5 cup of dried hibiscus flowers. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The liquid should turn a deep, rich red color, and the hibiscus flowers will soften.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hibiscus infusion steep for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the floral notes to fully develop. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pitcher, discarding the softened hibiscus flowers. You should have a concentrated, fragrant liquid.
- 3
While the hibiscus infusion is still warm, stir in the 0.5 cup of granulated sugar until it is completely dissolved. Add the juice of 1 lime, which will brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tang. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, stirring well after each addition.
- 4
Allow the hibiscus mixture to cool to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or until cold. To serve, fill glasses with the 1 cup of ice cubes and pour the chilled agua fresca over the ice. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- Blend smoothies from frozen fruit for a thicker, colder result without diluting with ice.
- Make this ahead and refrigerate overnight for the best results.
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